Bengaluru: ICC eyes first startup investment with ...

By Priya Nair — 14 July 2026 — 3 min read

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly in advanced discussions to make its inaugural investment in a startup, with Bengaluru-based game-tech company LightFury Games identified as a leading candidate. This potential move could significantly alter the landscape of cricket’s digital gaming aspirations.

The ICC is engaged in advanced talks to support the gaming studio, which would mark the governing body’s first direct investment in a startup. This development suggests a shift in the ICC‘s digital strategy, highlighting the increasing importance of interactive entertainment as sports organizations seek to enhance fan engagement beyond traditional broadcast rights and live events.

Reports indicate that LightFury Games has also secured the ICC‘s official gaming rights across mobile, PC, and console platforms globally. If this agreement is finalized, it would be a rare instance of a gaming company being granted rights simultaneously across all three major platforms, providing the startup with a broad scope for developing cricket gaming experiences.

LightFury Games’ Ambitions and Backing

Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Bengaluru, LightFury Games focuses on creating premium cross-platform titles for a global audience. The studio was established by seasoned gaming industry professionals with extensive experience in game development, publishing, and live-service operations.

While the company aims to build original intellectual property, it has also pursued licensed gaming projects. The reported partnership with the ICC would substantially elevate its profile, granting access to one of the world’s largest and most dedicated sporting fan communities.

LightFury Games is developing “E-Cricket,” a AAA cricket title designed for multiple platforms. The game aims to offer real-time multiplayer gameplay, support for mobile, PC, and console, high-quality graphics, and global competitive cricket experiences, potentially featuring official ICC branding and tournaments if the deal is finalized.

The startup has attracted notable investors, including MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Blume Ventures, V3 Ventures, MIXI, and Times Internet. The company has reportedly raised approximately $20 million across various funding rounds.

Potential Impact and Future Announcements

The ICC views gaming as a crucial avenue for expanding cricket’s global reach. Gaming has emerged as one of the fastest-growing forms of sports entertainment, and cricket represents a relatively underdeveloped segment compared to other major sports.

For India‘s gaming industry, this partnership could be a significant milestone. A successful AAA cricket title backed by the ICC could not only enhance the country’s game development capabilities but also demonstrate the ability of Indian studios to create globally competitive sports franchises.

When questioned, the ICC did not confirm the development but indicated that an announcement could be forthcoming. An ICC spokesperson stated, “We aren’t in a position to confirm anything right now, but there will be an announcement in the coming weeks.” LightFury Games declined to comment on the report.

If the deal is finalized, it would underscore the growing prominence of India‘s game-development ecosystem, with a young Bengaluru startup potentially securing one of cricket’s most valuable global licenses.

The proposed investment reflects the ICC‘s increasing focus on digital engagement and the commercial potential of gaming, with an announcement expected in the coming weeks.