Behind the Scenes: The AI-Powered Revolution of Cricket Broadcasting

Cricket, long celebrated for its tradition, is now embracing cutting-edge technology, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) leading the charge. In recent years, AI has revolutionised how the game is played, analysed, and experienced. It not only enhances player performance but also transforms the fan experience, making cricket smarter, faster, and more engaging. From player management to broadcasting and talent scouting, AI is reshaping cricket’s landscape with a newer level of precision.

Data-Driven Strategies

AI doesn’t just analyse the present; it predicts what’s likely to happen next. In the 2024 ICC World Cup, teams like Australia and England used AI to fine-tune their strategies, drawing from data across international tournaments and domestic leagues. For instance, Australia tracked Glenn Maxwell’s form with AI, analysing his performance against specific bowlers and match situations. The in-depth analysis identified his vulnerabilities and forecasted potential deliveries, enabling coaches to tailor strategies to key moments.

The Edge of Fitness

AI-driven wearables are now indispensable in cricket, not just for safeguarding players but for optimising performance during matches. Teams like the Mumbai Indians in the IPL use these devices to track real-time data on players’ heart rates, muscle fatigue, and sleep patterns. During the 2023 season, Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness was closely monitored by AI, which flagged early signs of fatigue, preventing what could have been a serious injury.

Injury Prevention

AI plays a crucial role in injury prevention, both for male and female cricketers. The England women’s team, for example, used AI during the 2024 ICC Women’s World Cup to predict injury risks. By analysing historical and real-time data, AI systems forecast potential injuries, allowing players like Katherine Brunt to safely return to play post-rehabilitation. The predictive approach ensures players stay fit, especially during high-pressure tournaments.

Upping the Viewing Experience

Cricket without fans is like bread without butter—bland and incomplete. AI has transformed the fan experience, making cricket more immersive, interactive, and customised than ever. Whether you're in the stadium or on your couch, every match now feels like a spectacle.

Smarter Commentary

Gone are the days of relying solely on commentators for basic stats. AI now provides real-time insights during matches, delivering smarter, deeper analysis. During the 2023 IPL, AI offered real-time data that predicted player performance based on past stats and match conditions. When Shubman Gill came to bat, AI instantly calculated his chances of hitting a boundary in the death overs, factoring in his history and the bowler’s strengths. These data-driven insights added an extra layer of excitement for fans.

Just for You

AI has taken personalised viewing to a whole new level. During the 2024 ICC Cricket World Cup, AI-powered platforms generated custom highlights for viewers. If you preferred watching sixes and boundaries, AI curated a package just for you. Platforms like Disney+ Hotstar allowed fans to skip directly to their favourite moments, eliminating the need to sift through hours of footage.

Immerse in Cricket

AI isn’t just about stats—it’s about creating a fully immersive experience. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) have made cricket more interactive than ever. During the 2023 Ashes, AI-powered AR allowed fans to access in-stadium experiences via their smartphones. Imagine pointing your phone at the pitch and seeing detailed stats on a bowler’s previous deliveries in real time. Meanwhile, VR headsets brought the stadium into fans' living rooms, offering a 360-degree view of the match.

Changing How Talent is Found

AI isn’t just changing how cricket is played and viewed—it’s revolutionising talent scouting. AI helps teams like the Rajasthan Royals analyse performance metrics to identify future stars. Players like Shafali Verma, known for her fearless batting, were flagged early by AI, which assessed her explosive strike rate, adaptability, and ability to thrive under pressure. These data-driven insights helped accelerate her rise, making her a standout talent in women’s cricket.

What’s Next?

As AI advances, cricket’s future is poised to become even more thrilling. We’re just scratching the surface with personalised content and real-time insights. Soon, AI could predict match outcomes with even greater accuracy, suggest tactical changes during games, and even allow fans to co-manage their favourite teams in AI-driven fantasy leagues.

Umpiring will also continue to benefit from AI advancements. Technologies like Hawk-Eye and UltraEdge already assist in decision-making, but AI could soon offer more nuanced interpretations of player actions, further reducing human error.

In broadcasting, AI could deepen fan engagement. Imagine switching between camera angles based on AI analysis or receiving commentary tailored to your knowledge of the game. Whether you're a casual viewer or a die-hard fan, AI will make cricket more accessible and captivating.

AI is Redefining Cricket

AI is transforming cricket across the board, from boosting player performance to revolutionising how we watch and engage with the game. It’s safeguarding players, uncovering new talent, and making broadcasts more personalised and interactive. As AI continues to evolve, cricket will only get smarter, more dynamic, and more immersive.

Next time whilst watching a match—whether it’s an IPL final, a Test, or a women’s international—remember, AI is working behind the scenes, making every moment more thrilling and every boundary more impactful.

By Nitesh Agrawal, Senior VP Engineering, VideoVerse