The International Cricket Council is in talks to invest in Bengaluru-based LightFury Games. The deal would support the launch of a high-budget 'AAA' cricket title and secure global gaming rights for the startup. This move marks the ICC’s first startup investment as it looks to capture the growing digital gaming market in India.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is moving into the gaming space through a potential investment in Bengaluru-based startup LightFury Games. If finalized, this would represent the first time the global cricket governing body has invested directly in a startup. The move is designed to expand the reach of cricket into the competitive world of digital gaming, targeting a global audience through mobile, PC, and console platforms.
Strategic Focus on Digital Cricket
LightFury Games is working on a high-budget project called 'E-Cricket,' which the company intends to position as a AAA game. In the gaming industry, the term AAA refers to titles developed by large studios with significant budgets, typically aimed at high quality and mass-market appeal. The company is reportedly working to secure global gaming rights for this title, allowing it to distribute the game across various devices worldwide. The goal is to create a digital experience for cricket fans that mirrors the scale and engagement of established franchises like EA Sports FC.
Financial Backing and Market Context
LightFury Games, established in 2024, has already attracted a mix of institutional and individual investors. The company has raised approximately $20 million to date, with backing from venture capital firms like V3 Ventures and Blume Ventures. Additionally, well-known angel investors such as Kunal Shah and Gaurav Munjal have invested in the venture. A key part of the startup's branding involves high-profile Indian cricketers, including Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, and Hardik Pandya, who are expected to be featured within the game platform.
Why the ICC is Focusing on Gaming
For the ICC, this move is part of a broader effort to diversify its revenue and increase engagement with younger fans. While cricket is a major sport in countries like India, it has historically lacked a dominant, high-quality global gaming franchise. By investing in this area, the organization hopes to bridge that gap. The Indian market is particularly important due to its large base of active mobile gamers and the increasing tendency for users to spend on in-app purchases.
For investors and observers, the key monitorable will be the successful execution of the AAA title, as high-budget games face risks related to development costs, player adoption rates, and the ability to compete with existing global gaming giants. As the deal progresses, stakeholders will be tracking the formalization of the ICC investment and the eventual launch timeline for the E-Cricket title to determine how well it captures the intended user base.