In a groundbreaking move to fuse technology with the beloved sport of cricket, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has joined forces with Nium, a prominent fintech infrastructure partner and leading global payments platform. Together, they extend an open invitation to cricket enthusiasts who are also adept technologists, urging them to spearhead a new era of the game through cutting-edge innovations. This rallying call marks the inauguration of the second installment of the "Next In" hackathon.

The "Next In" hackathon stands as a distinctive platform that unites technologists from every corner of the globe who share a profound passion for cricket. This sophomore edition promises to outshine its predecessor, providing participants with a grand stage to showcase their expertise, collaborate with kindred spirits, and contribute to the evolution of cricket in the digital age. This journey culminates in the hackathon's ultimate showdown scheduled for early November in India, aligning with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

This innovative platform serves as a fertile ground for technologists to cultivate groundbreaking solutions that elevate high-performance training, revolutionize fan engagement, and invigorate mass participation in cricket. It encapsulates an unprecedented opportunity for the global community of sports and technology innovators to weave novel fan engagement experiences and to fortify the game's expansion. Aligning seamlessly with the ICC's vision for widespread cricket enjoyment, this hackathon opens the gateway to amplify fan involvement and accessibility to the sport.

The hackathon's framework encompasses three pivotal tracks:

Enhancing the Team and Athlete Training Experience
Elevating Fan Experience – both within stadiums and from the comfort of home
Catalyzing Participation Growth in the Sport
Though participants are unconstrained by any technological boundaries, at least one of the following technologies must be harnessed within their applications for the aforementioned tracks:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML)
Fintech
Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR)
Web3
Blockchain
Data Science
To secure a spot in this groundbreaking event, potential participants are invited to register their interest by September 29th. Following this, a select group of teams will be summoned to bring their creations to life and present them before a distinguished panel of judges. Among these judges stands the hackathon's ambassador, the legendary Anil Kumble. This exclusive event is slated for early November during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. Furthermore, the hackathon journey incorporates enlightening knowledge sessions led by mentors, as well as networking events in prominent global tech hubs like Singapore, Mumbai, and San Francisco.

Finn Bradshaw, the ICC's Head of Digital, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "Our journey with Nium marks an exciting juncture where invention intersects with an abiding love for cricket. With our focus on High Performance, Fan Engagement, and Grassroots Participation, we're poised to enhance cricket experiences, deepen fan connections, and nurture emerging talent. The future brims with promise as we engage with the brightest minds."

Nium's Senior Vice President and Head of Global Marketing and Communications, Jeremiah Glodoveza, lauded the hackathon's role in advancing the sport: "The Next-In Hackathon is a stage for the world's finest technologists to shape the future of cricket. We celebrate innovation in all forms, both on and off the field. The upcoming hackathon is set to be a spectacular showcase of fans' visions for cricket's future."

Anil Kumble, the Hackathon Ambassador, expressed his delight in leading the event's second edition, highlighting the transformative power of technology in cricket. He emphasized the critical role of data in shaping the game's trajectory, expressing his anticipation for the innovative ideas that participants will present to enrich the cricketing experience for fans and players alike.

The inaugural Next In hackathon garnered the participation of 9,550 teams hailing from 113 nations, including 1,000 teams from the USA. The winning concept, pioneered by 'Team Fanisko,' introduced an augmented reality dimension to cricket viewing. Their solution incorporated 3D Augmented Reality technology, permitting users to engage with live matches from the comfort of their homes. Seamlessly integrated within the ICC app, their creation provided in-depth player insights, effectively bridging the gap between fans and the on-field action.

PICTURE: ICC
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]