ICC eyes first startup investment with LightFury Games: Report

MUMBAI: Cricket may soon have a new playing field and this time, the boundary ropes are digital. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly preparing to make its first-ever investment in a startup, with Bengaluru-based game-tech company LightFury Games emerging as the frontrunner in a move that could reshape cricket’s gaming ambitions.

The ICC is in advanced discussions to back the gaming studio, marking what would be the governing body’s first direct investment in a startup.

The report also claims that LightFury Games has secured the ICC’s official gaming rights across mobile, PC and console platforms worldwide. If finalised, it would be among the rare occasions a gaming company has been awarded rights spanning all three major platforms simultaneously, giving the startup an unusually broad canvas to build cricket gaming experiences.

Founded in 2024 and headquartered in Bengaluru, LightFury Games develops premium cross-platform titles for global audiences. The studio was established by gaming industry veterans with experience in game development, publishing and live-service operations.

While the company has positioned itself around creating original intellectual property, it has also been pursuing licensed gaming projects. The reported partnership with the ICC would significantly elevate its profile, providing access to one of the world’s largest and most passionate sporting fan communities.

Responding to queries, the ICC stopped short of confirming the development but hinted that an announcement could be imminent.

“We aren’t in a position to confirm anything right now, but there will be an announcement in the coming weeks,” an ICC spokesperson said.

LightFury Games declined to comment on the report.

If the deal materialises, it would signal a notable shift in the ICC’s digital strategy, reflecting the growing importance of interactive entertainment as sports organisations increasingly look beyond broadcast rights and live events to deepen fan engagement. It would also underscore the rising prominence of India’s game-development ecosystem, with a young Bengaluru startup potentially securing one of cricket’s most valuable global licences.