January 31, 2025 – Sydney and Noida, India: HCL Technologies (HCLTech) [NSE: HCLTECH, BSE: 532281] and Microsoft have partnered with Cricket Australia (CA) to introduce an innovative AI-powered fan engagement feature for the Cricket Australia Live app. This collaboration leverages Generative AI (GenAI) to enhance match-day experiences by providing AI-driven insights beyond traditional scores and commentary.
Key Highlights of the Partnership
- New AI-Powered Matchday Companion: The AI Insights feature delivers a real-time text-based feed, offering contextual narratives, player performances, and milestone tracking.
- Launch at Women’s Ashes Series: The feature debuts at the Day-Night Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) during the CommBank Women’s Ashes between Australia and England.
- Technology Stack: The solution utilizes Microsoft’s Azure OpenAI Service and HCLTech’s front-end and API development support.
Executive Insights
- Sonia Eland, EVP & Country Manager (ANZ), HCLTech:
“Harnessing GenAI allows us to reimagine fan engagement. Our partnership with Cricket Australia and Microsoft enhances the digital experience, bringing fans closer to the game.” - Sarah Carney, CTO, Microsoft Australia & New Zealand:
“This innovation showcases how AI can transform how audiences interact with sports, adding insights and personalization.” - Nick Hockley, CEO, Cricket Australia:
“We aim to be a global leader in digital fan engagement, and this feature is a step forward in that journey.”
HCLTech-Cricket Australia Partnership: A Multi-Year Digital Transformation
- Since 2019: HCLTech has been Cricket Australia’s Official Digital Technology Partner, modernizing its core API platforms.
- Extended in 2023: A five-year renewal to strengthen digital transformation, including projects like TechJam, a crowdsourced initiative for tech innovation.
- Impact: The Cricket Australia Live app, powered by HCLTech, has become the #1 sporting app in Australia.
Company Backgrounds
- HCLTech: Global IT leader with $13.8 billion in revenue (FY ending Dec 2024), operating across 60 countrieswith 220,000+ employees.
- Microsoft: A global AI-driven technology giant, focusing on ethical AI development and digital transformation.
- Cricket Australia: The governing body for Australian cricket, overseeing national teams and major domestic tournaments like Weber WBBL and KFC BBL.
