In 2019, ae.live, a leading provider of broadcast solutions to global sports governing bodies, broadcasters, and production companies, partnered with Ventureaxis to develop and manage a Player Registration System and Draft software for the England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) groundbreaking cricket competition, The Hundred.
Challenge:
The ECB's new cricket competition, The Hundred, required a robust and centralized system to manage player registration and conduct the first-ever Player Draft in UK sport history. This ambitious project demanded innovative software solutions capable of handling real-time communication of player selections and seamlessly integrating with in-venue digital screens and broadcast graphics to maximize fan engagement.
Solution:
Ventureaxis rose to the challenge by developing a purpose-built Player Registration System and Live Draft application that provided end-to-end data for the pre-event registration process and the live Draft broadcast. Key features of the system included:
Player Registration Management: The system enabled over 1000 cricketers from around the world to register their interest in The Hundred competition, streamlining the player registration process for the ECB.
Live Draft Event Support: During the live Draft event, the software provided real-time data on player availability and official timing, empowering team managers to make quick and informed decisions as they bid for and selected players. This real-time communication was crucial as time was of the essence during the Draft process.
Integration with Broadcast Graphics: The Draft software seamlessly integrated with in-venue digital screens and broadcast graphics, enhancing the viewing experience for fans and maximizing product exposure for The Hundred competition.
Results:
The deployment of Ventureaxis' software solutions for The Hundred Player Draft resulted in significant achievements and outcomes:
Historic Player Draft: The implementation of the Draft software marked the first time a Player Draft had been utilized in UK sport, signaling a groundbreaking moment in cricket history.
Efficient Player Selection Process: The real-time communication capabilities of the software facilitated quick decision-making by team managers, ensuring a smooth and efficient player selection process during the live Draft event.
Enhanced Fan Engagement: By seamlessly integrating with in-venue digital screens and broadcast graphics, the system enhanced fan engagement and maximized product exposure for The Hundred competition, contributing to its success.
The success of the Draft software led to its continued use in subsequent years of The Hundred competition. Ventureaxis' dedicated team continued to enhance the system to accommodate new draft rules and ensure its seamless operation, further solidifying its role as a vital component of The Hundred's success.
The collaboration between ae.live and Ventureaxis in developing the Player Registration System and Draft software for The Hundred cricket competition exemplifies the transformative power of innovative software solutions in sports. By leveraging Ventureaxis' expertise in software development, the ECB was able to revolutionize player selection processes and enhance fan engagement, setting a new standard for cricket competitions worldwide. As The Hundred continues to grow and evolve, Ventureaxis remains committed to providing cutting-edge solutions that drive success and innovation in the sports industry.