Mumbai: With a host of fantasy cricket platforms heating up the battle in lead up to the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), homegrown fantasy sports platform Fantasy Akhada kick-started its IPL 2022 push with a 360-degree campaign titled #KhelTumharaAkhadaHumara. The quirky brand campaign starring cricket presenter Harsha Bhogle and actor Ali Fazal showcases the fervour and gusto with which these games are played in e-sports communities.
Shot by Pranav Harihar Sharma, conceptualised by Pippip Media and executed in tandem with Wirality Media, the first film of the campaign hilariously showcases the kidnapping of ‘voice of cricket’ Harsha Bhogle by an enraged cricket fanatic and a local goon, played by Ali Fazal. Fazal offers to release Bhogle from captivity under one condition: "The latter teach him the nitty-gritty of the fantasy cricket game so he can salvage his hurt pride in his local gaming community."
The campaign launch was preceded by a quirky teaser on social media a day prior, to build up interest levels and ignite curiosity among viewers about the alleged ‘abduction.’ The brand then unfurled a short video on digital after generating adequate buzz via the teaser, before finally launching the TVC on the opening day of the T20 League.
“The rollout of the country's most awaited cricket tournament has undoubtedly set the stage for massive participation in fantasy sports contests,” Fantasy Akhada founder Sumit Kumar Jha said. “Our campaign is poised to inspire cricket fans to experience the first-hand thrill of forming their own teams. The launch of the #KhelTumharaAkhadaHumarateaser is already driving conversations and has been a big hit in the Indian and global markets. We are confident that this will also encourage more first-time users to participate in fantasy sports.”
As per a joint report published by Deloitte & FIFS in February 2022, 50 per cent of the users in the fantasy sports industry come from tier-2 and 3 cities. The gaming platform integrates both the rural and the urban Indian populace via the campaign.
“Looking at the 150 per cent growth in CEA during the 14th IPL season, we are eyeing for a 100 per cent growth in our user base this season,” Jha added.
In addition to fantasy cricket, the gaming platform also offers multiple gameplay options for fantasy football and fantasy kabaddi.
