ICC cricket game tender news is getting serious, and cricket gaming fans finally have a reason to pay attention.
Several major gaming and digital companies are reportedly interested in official ICC gaming rights. The list includes EA Sports, Big Ant Studios, Krafton with JetSynthesys, Reliance Jio, Dream Cricket, Lightfury Games, and Nazara Technologies.
However, this is not just another gaming rumor. This tender could shape the future of official cricket games for mobile and console players.
For years, cricket gaming has had passion, but it has not had the same global polish as football or basketball games. Now, the ICC cricket game tender could help create a proper licensed cricket game for fans around the world.
What Is the ICC Cricket Game Tender?
The tender is part of the ICC’s plan to build a stronger official cricket gaming ecosystem.
The ICC first opened an Expression of Interest process to create a major official mobile cricket game with global reach. The ICC’s official LinkedIn post said the project aims to create a cricket game franchise that combines global reach, official IP, and modern interactive entertainment.
After that early interest stage, selected companies moved toward a more serious bidding process.
In simple words:
The ICC wants a partner to help create an official cricket game.
Big companies are now trying to win those rights.
Which Companies Are in the Race?
According to The Economic Times, companies such as:
- EA Sports
- Big Ant Studios
- Krafton with JetSynthesys
- Reliance Jio
- Dream Cricket
- Lightfury Games
- Nazara Technologies
More importantly, each company brings a different strength. EA Sports has global sports gaming experience. Big Ant knows cricket gameplay. Meanwhile, Krafton, Jio, and Nazara understand mobile-first markets.
The Economic Times reported that the Invitation to Tender first had an April 21 deadline, but it was later extended to the first week of May. The same report also said the ICC and the named companies declined to comment.
That means fans should stay excited, but also careful.
Nothing is officially confirmed yet.
Winner will be announced soon.
Release date hasn’t been confirmed.
No teaser exists yet.
So please do not start searching “EA Sports Cricket 2028 download” like your cousin already leaked it on YouTube.
Why EA Sports Is Getting So Much Attention
EA Sports is the name that most fans notice first.
Many cricket gamers still remember old EA cricket titles. Those games were not perfect, but they became part of cricket gaming history.
If EA Sports wins or joins the project, fans may expect better presentation, stronger licensing, and a more polished sports-game feel.
But again, EA has only been reported as an interested bidder. The company has not officially announced a new cricket game.
That difference matters.
Important note: Fans should not treat this as a confirmed EA Sports cricket game yet. At this stage, EA Sports is only reported as one of the interested bidders.
A report is news. A confirmed game is something else.
Why Big Ant, Nazara, Krafton and Jio Matter Too
EA Sports is the biggest headline name, but the other bidders matter a lot.
Big Ant Studios already has experience with cricket games. That gives it a practical advantage because cricket is not easy to turn into smooth gameplay.
Nazara Technologies is also important because it owns World Cricket Championship, one of the known cricket gaming franchises. The Economic Times quoted Nazara’s CEO saying there is room to build high-quality cricket gaming experiences that can scale globally.
Krafton brings mobile gaming power. Jio brings a huge digital ecosystem. That matters because the ICC’s plan seems heavily focused on mobile cricket gaming.
And mobile is where cricket can explode.
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other cricket-loving countries have massive mobile-first audiences. A good cricket game does not need every player to own a console. It needs to run well on phones.
What Rights Could the Winner Get?
According to The Economic Times, the proposed licensing framework covers both mobile and console platforms. Mobile rights would run from January 2028 to December 2034, while console rights would begin from January 2029 to December 2034.
The package reportedly includes access to:
- Player names
- Player images
- Player likenesses
- ICC marks
- Tournament data
- Official branding
That is huge.
A cricket game feels much better when it has real players, real tournaments, and official branding. Nobody wants to play a World Cup final with “B. Sharma” batting against “Fast Bowler 99.”
Official rights make the game feel real.
Will It Include IPL, BBL or Legends?
This is where fans need to slow down.
The reported framework does not automatically include domestic and franchise leagues like the IPL, Big Bash League, or The Hundred. It also does not automatically include retired legends such as Sachin Tendulkar or MS Dhoni. Separate agreements would be needed for those rights.
So an official ICC game could include international cricket and ICC events.
But it may not include every league or every retired superstar from day one.
Licensing is not magic. It is paperwork with a helmet.
Why This News Matters for Gamers
This tender could become a turning point for cricket gaming.
A strong official ICC game could give players:
- Better graphics
- Licensed teams and players
- ICC tournament modes
- Stronger mobile gameplay
- Online multiplayer
- Career mode potential
- More serious cricket esports possibilities
It also creates a chance for cricket gaming to become bigger than just a niche category.
If the final product is good, it could attract both casual cricket fans and serious sports gamers.
If it is bad, fans will roast it faster than a dropped catch in a World Cup final.
Final Thoughts
The ICC cricket game tender is one of the most interesting gaming stories for cricket fans right now.
The ICC cricket game tender could become a major turning point for cricket gaming if the final winner delivers a polished and fully licensed experience.
Major companies are reportedly competing for official cricket gaming rights, and the planned licensing window suggests the ICC is thinking long term. The project could shape cricket gaming for several years.
Still, fans should wait for official confirmation before expecting a new EA Sports cricket game or a console-level ICC title.
Earlier, Cricbuzz reported that the ICC was working directly through member boards for player gaming rights.
For now, the safest update is simple:
The bidding race is real.
Big companies are interested.
The winner has not been officially announced.
Until then, cricket gamers can check our list of the Top 5 Best Cricket Games for Android Ranked and follow more updates in our Latest Gaming News Today section.
FAQs
What is the ICC cricket game tender?
It is the ICC’s bidding process to find a gaming partner for official cricket gaming rights.
Is EA Sports making a new cricket game?
EA Sports is reportedly one of the interested bidders, but no official new cricket game has been confirmed yet.
Which companies are bidding for ICC gaming rights?
Reports mention EA Sports, Big Ant Studios, Krafton with JetSynthesys, Reliance Jio, Dream Cricket, Lightfury Games, and Nazara Technologies.
Will the new ICC game include IPL?
Not automatically. Reports say IPL, Big Bash League, The Hundred, and some retired legends need separate agreements.
Also read: Best Cricket Games for Android 2026
