India’s Cricket Economy Is Evolving as IPL Fans Turn to Digital Gaming

Cricket is growing from strength to strength every year, so fans are looking to get involved with their predictions on who they think will win the entire tournament before engaging with each individual game.

India’s Cricket Economy Is Evolving as IPL Fans Turn to Digital Gaming (Image Source: Google)

With India’s cricket season starting soon, analysts tracking fan engagement and trends are noting a significant increase in the number of people using comparison platforms like Askgamblers IN to identify the best prediction sites available to Indian players.

What was once simple match-day entertainment has evolved into a full-scale digital economy. Streaming, fantasy leagues and mobile gaming have become central components of the cricket viewership experience.

Cricket in India has always been more than a sport. It is deeply embedded in culture, community, and commerce. However, the Indian Premier League has elevated the game to a new level. The tournament combines elite competition, celebrity influence, and extensive digital fan engagement.

Fans now stream matches directly to their phones, receive live updates instantly, and follow every ball in real time. IPL fixtures are omnipresent across digital platforms, creating new opportunities for companies catering to India’s mobile-first audience.

Massive Growth in Commercial Activity

The rise in cricket’s commercial activity has been deliberate and strategic. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has consistently expanded broadcasting rights, secured new sponsorship agreements, and built digital partnerships that strengthen the sport’s global reach. As a result, Indian cricket has become one of the most lucrative sports ecosystems in the world.

At the same time, fan behavior has evolved. Supporters are no longer passive viewers. Many now interact with matches in real time by playing prediction games, joining fantasy contests, or switching between live score apps and gaming platforms while watching play unfold.

This “second-screen” phenomenon is visible in global sports markets, but it is amplified in India due to widespread smartphone adoption and affordable mobile data access.

Star players such as Rohit Sharma continue to draw massive audiences. Yet it is the surrounding digital infrastructure that is reshaping how fans allocate their spending during matches. Betting platforms and online casinos, particularly during high-stakes fixtures and playoff games, are becoming part of the broader match-day experience.

Cricket as a Gateway to Gaming

Cricket is increasingly acting as an entry point into wider gaming ecosystems for millions of Indian fans.

A typical journey might begin with following IPL scores, then experimenting with match odds. This progression reflects the expanding overlap between sports entertainment and digital wagering.

What makes cricket especially powerful in this context is the rhythm of the game. Matches unfold over several hours, with natural pauses between overs, innings, and strategic breaks. These intervals create opportunities for fans to engage with other content and platforms on their phones.

Unlike faster-paced sports, cricket encourages sustained attention. That extended engagement often translates into increased activity on gaming platforms as viewers seek additional interaction during breaks in play.

Everyone is Anticipating the New Season

The 2026 IPL season is fast approaching, starting on March 26, 2026, and concluding on May 31, 2026. The later start date was pushed back to give players additional recovery time following the 2026 T20 World Cup. That also means there will be another overlap with the Pakistan Super League.

This will be the 19th edition of the Twenty20 format, with 10 teams battling it out over 84 matches. It will continue with the double round-robin league stage, followed by playoffs. It is the first full season featuring 84 games, with plans already in place to expand to 94 matches in 2028.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are defending their first-ever title after capturing the trophy in 2025. All ten franchises return for at least another season. There were several major transfers during the offseason, with the 2026 auction taking place in December 2025 in Abu Dhabi.

Cameron Green became the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history after Kolkata Knight Riders acquired the Australian all-rounder for a total price of ₹25.2 crore.

As the new season approaches, cricket is once again set to dominate screens, conversations, and mobile apps across India. It’s growing from strength to strength every year, so fans are looking to get involved with their predictions on who they think will win the entire tournament before engaging with each individual game.