According to Sportskeeda, it’s impossible to pinpoint one reason behind cricket’s popularity in India, but it remains the most-watched sport in the country. Along with becoming ingrained as a part of the local culture, the bat-and-ball game has provided the foundations for up-and-coming trends to come to the forefront. Predominantly, this relates to fantasy sports. In recent years, the fantasy sports sector in India has reached new heights, and cricket's popularity has influenced this. So, let’s take a look at why the fantasy market is kicking off in India.
Cricket’s Impact on Fantasy Sports and Online Gaming
As per a report by The Economic Times, fantasy sports in India have grown following the IPL's launch. Since being founded in 2008, the limited-overs tournament has successfully integrated the country’s admiration for cricket and gaming. Fundamentally, this is reflected in the fact that the player participation was forecast to enjoy a compound annual growth rate of 212 percent between 2017 and 2019. Not only that, but Mint state that the game
Interestingly, following the emergence of the above platforms, fantasy sports have aided in developing India’s sports betting industry. Through both Dream11 and MPL, users are able to enjoy real-world financial rewards. This incentivised, cricket-orientated approach has been embraced by sports betting operators, with many now covering an array of competitions. At Funbet Sports, for example, bettors can explore diverse market offerings and competitive odds through their smartphones and desktops. Furthermore, as of November 17th 2020, players can bet on India’s upcoming test series with India, along with England’s T20 contest against South Africa.
The Growth of Fantasy Platforms
Perhaps the most pivotal factor behind the growth of fantasy sports in India relates to the number of platforms that have recently hit the market. After being launched in September 2018, Mobile Premier League has attracted a cricket-loving audience base through the development of their fantasy cricket feature. The website allows prospective users to immerse themselves in a range of real-world matches, which are available through their MPL Pro Fantasy Cricket Page. Players have 100 credits to create their team, and points are awarded based on their selections’ on-field performances. This ranges from wickets to runs, catches, and much more.
A More Immersive Way to Enjoy Cricket
Concerning why fantasy sports have reached new heights in India over the last few years, few can argue that the sector’s heightened immersion hasn’t played a pivotal role. Spectators are now able to enjoy their favourite sport like never before, as interactivity is now at the forefront of the country’s cricketing scene.
