ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Introduces Vertical Video Coverage
In a collaborative endeavor with Disney Star, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 is set to break new ground by introducing a vertical video feed for all 48 tournament matches. This venture, blending technology with evolving consumer behavior, not only exemplifies a significant leap in cricket broadcasting but also nudges the broader sports broadcasting sector towards a more mobile-centric narrative.
The core drive behind the ICC’s vertical feed is to align with the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle of today’s sports enthusiasts. As mobile phones become the primary screen for a growing demographic, this approach demonstrates a keen understanding of changing viewer preferences and sets a precedent for other sports bodies to follow.
This shift to a vertical video feed is not merely an aesthetic choice; it carries a suite of functional advantages. The split-screen feature, for example, is designed to offer a more enriched narrative of on-field action, providing simultaneous angles or coupling live action with immediate replays, delivering a more thorough understanding of the game dynamics.
The infrastructure to facilitate this vertical narrative involves a careful orchestration of vertically oriented cameras, paired with the global feed cameras to enable the split-screen functionality. The integration of match graphics and bespoke production enhancements are poised to offer a refined viewing experience, potentially setting a new standard in sports broadcasting.
Key features like ball tracking, player tracking, and field plotting have been tailored to suit the vertical format, ensuring that the coverage retains the analytical depth that cricket enthusiasts crave while adapting to the new screen orientation. The initiative showcases a well-thought-out blend of innovative broadcasting techniques while retaining the essence of cricket coverage.
ICC Chief Commercial Officer, Anurag Dahiya, highlighted the significance of adapting to viewer preferences, emphasizing the ICC’s intent to continually refine the viewing experience. Similarly, Sanjog Gupta, Head of Sports at Disney Star, acknowledged the rapid evolution of consumer preferences, underlining the joint venture as a proactive step towards molding the future of sports consumption.
As sports audiences globally become more digitally inclined, the ‘vertical feed’ initiative might just be the tip of the iceberg. The move indicates a larger trend where sports broadcasting entities could venture into unchartered territories to cater to the next generation of viewers.
The upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, commencing on October 5th, serves as a testing ground for this novel broadcasting format. With eyes set on the England and New Zealand clash in Ahmedabad, the cricketing world and beyond will be keenly watching not only the action on the field but also the efficacy and reception of the vertical feed.
Should the vertical video feed meet or exceed expectations, this could trigger a ripple effect, influencing how other major sporting events approach their broadcast strategies in a mobile-first world. Hence, the 2023 World Cup could very well be a harbinger of change, indicating a new trajectory for sports broadcasting, ensuring a more engaging, accessible, and modernized viewer experience across the globe.
