iWorld
Mastering fantasy cricket: Crucial things to keep in mind while making your team
Mumbai: Fantasy cricket has swiftly emerged as a global phenomenon, capturing the attention of enthusiasts worldwide, particularly in India. It offers an engaging online platform where cricket enthusiasts can test their knowledge and analysis of the game against millions. Team selection is the most important aspect of fantasy cricket. Creating a unique team within the set criteria and time period, with the players you think can perform will lead you towards success on any platform.
Why is fantasy cricket so popular? It enables crores of cricket fans and followers to be a part of the game and also win exciting rewards. Users get to strategize and choose players based on their knowledge, pitch conditions, weather reports, win predictions, history and more. This is a step up from just watching the match in the stadium or at home. There is a value-add from an engagement point of view.
Cricket analysis and prediction platforms like Cricket.com and ESPN Cricinfo among others, offer comprehensive player statistics, match insights, expert analyses, AI-driven predictions, etc. to followers. Some of these platforms also offer an option to make a fantasy cricket team using AI and test the same in original fantasy cricket formats. These platforms are invaluable resources for enthusiasts to stay updated with the latest developments, helping them make informed decisions and level up their fantasy cricket performance. Here are a few tips and tricks to boost your fantasy cricket game –
Assessing the gameplay
An essential step is evaluating the recent performance of players. It’s vital to gauge whether a player has maintained good form in recent games rather than relying solely on past achievements. The focus should be on current performance rather than only on a player’s career statistics. The team has to be a mix of batsmen, bowlers, and all-rounders, as they are more likely to score consistently. Further, the selection of the captain and vice-captain holds paramount importance, as they play pivotal roles in determining your team’s success. Their points are often doubled, making their contributions significantly impactful. shrewd decisions regarding the captain and vice-captain can substantially influence the outcome of a fantasy cricket match.
An important aspect often missed by many fantasy cricket enthusiasts is the analysis of weather conditions and pitch reports. For instance, prioritizing spinners over swing bowlers during an afternoon game is advisable on a slow and dry pitch. Conversely, adjusting your team composition accordingly is essential in venues like Wankhede Stadium with its conducive conditions for power hitters and swing bowlers.
Leveraging analytics and original formats
Game analysis plays a crucial role in the success of cricket fantasy enthusiasts, providing them with valuable insights to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge. Platforms like Cricket.com offer a range of analytical tools and features to assist players in crafting winning strategies. Through comprehensive player statistics, match previews, and expert opinions, enthusiasts can delve deep into the intricacies of the game and identify key factors influencing player performance. Additionally, Cricket.com enables users to leverage artificial intelligence algorithms to optimize their fantasy teams, ensuring they are well-positioned for success. Platforms such as ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Dream11 provide similar functionalities. By utilizing these resources effectively, players can enhance their understanding of the game, make informed decisions, and maximize their chances of success in fantasy cricket leagues and contests.
Furthermore, enthusiasts can elevate their fantasy cricket experience by exploring various fantasy formats offered by platforms like Cricket.com and Dream11. Cricket.com’s “Asli Fantasy” allows players to compete against seasoned fantasy cricket players, testing their skills against some of the best in the game. Similarly, Dream11 offers a “Pro Fantasy” format, challenging users to strategize and compete at a higher level. By embracing these advanced formats, players can sharpen their skills, experience tougher competition, and take their fantasy cricket journey to new heights.
iWorld
Meta warns 200 users after fake Whatsapp spyware attack
Italy-targeted campaign used unofficial app to deploy surveillance spyware.
MUMBAI: It looked like a message, but it behaved like a mole. Meta has warned around 200 users most of them in Italy after uncovering a targeted spyware campaign that weaponised a fake version of WhatsApp to infiltrate devices. The attack, first reported by Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata, relied on classic social engineering with a modern twist: persuading users to download an unofficial WhatsApp clone embedded with surveillance software. The malicious application, believed to be developed by Italian firm SIO through its subsidiary ASIGINT, was designed to mimic the real app closely enough to bypass suspicion.
Meta’s security teams identified roughly 200 individuals who may have installed the compromised version, triggering immediate countermeasures. Affected users were logged out of their accounts and issued alerts warning of potential privacy breaches, with the company describing the incident as a “targeted social engineering attempt” aimed at gaining device-level access.
The malicious app was not distributed via official app stores but circulated through third-party channels, where it was presented as a legitimate WhatsApp alternative. Once installed, it reportedly allowed external operators to access sensitive data stored on the device turning a simple download into a potential surveillance gateway.
According to Techcrunch, Meta is now preparing legal action against the spyware developers to curb further misuse. The company, however, has not disclosed details about the specific individuals targeted or the extent of data compromised.
A Whatsapp spokesperson reiterated that user safety remains the top priority, particularly for those misled into installing the fake iOS application. Meanwhile, reports from La Repubblica suggest the spyware may be linked to “Spyrtacus”, a strain previously associated with Android-based attacks that could intercept calls, activate microphones and even access cameras.
The episode underscores a growing reality in the digital age, the threat is no longer just what you download, but where you download it from. As unofficial apps become increasingly convincing, the line between communication tool and covert surveillance is getting harder to spot and far easier to exploit.
