Ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is leading the charge for a safer, more inclusive online space for players and fans alike. Over 60 players have already joined a groundbreaking social media moderation programme designed to protect mental health and encourage a kinder, healthier community.

This move isn’t just about the game on the field—it’s about the game in our digital spaces. As part of a bold suite of digital tools, the ICC has introduced advanced moderation software to shield the cricket community from toxic online content. The goal? To safeguard players from harmful comments while fostering an environment where both fans and athletes can engage positively. Hate speech, harassment, and misogyny? Not on this watch.

Fans tuning in to the tournament will also benefit from a wealth of new features on the ICC’s website and app. Whether it’s live radio commentary through the ICC Audio World Feed, watching free match streams in select regions, or competing to predict the Aramco Player of the Match, cricket enthusiasts will be treated to an immersive experience. The #T20WorldCup hashtag is the key to joining this global fan community.

At the heart of the moderation programme is GoBubble, a cutting-edge tech platform blending AI with human oversight to filter out the negativity. Whether it’s a critical comment on Instagram or a troll on YouTube, the technology is built to protect players by hiding harmful content before it reaches them. It's a first for the ICC and one of the most progressive steps toward maintaining a positive social media presence.

South Africa’s Sinalo Jafta, one of the players who opted in, highlighted the relief this protection brings, especially during the high-stakes atmosphere of a World Cup. “After a game—whether you’ve won or lost—there’s always someone waiting to tear you down online. The new programme lifts a huge weight off players’ shoulders, especially the younger ones, who are constantly glued to their phones,” Jafta shared. “Now we can be ourselves and show the world who we are without fear.”

This is more than just cricket—it’s a revolution in how we engage with sports in the digital age. With these new measures in place, the ICC is ensuring that the Women’s T20 World Cup is as much about inclusion and positivity as it is about competition.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]