From chicken dances to custom apps, the IPL’s digital revolution is redefining fan loyalty one meme at a time
It used to be simpler. You picked a side, followed the scores, and maybe got a jersey if things got serious. But today's IPL isn't just a cricket tournament—it's a content carnival. Every ball bowled on the pitch creates a ripple effect online. Every wicket sparks a tweet. Every celebration inspires a reel.
As the Indian Premier League barrels through 2025 with its usual madness, the game off the field is just as compelling. In a world where attention spans last shorter than a DRS review, franchises are fighting for fan loyalty not just with results but also with relatability, reels, and retweets.
Credit: Cricket Times
What happens when a player doesn't have a bat in hand? Chances are, he's holding a mic or miming trending audio on Instagram. From Jake Fraser-McGurk to Faf du Plessis, stars are no longer seen only in whites or coloured kits—they're also part-time content creators.
That viral 'Chicken-Banana' dance featuring Tristan Stubbs, Jake and Faf? It had nothing to do with the points table but everything to do with the algorithm. For franchises, this kind of content isn't frivolous—it's currency.
Every meme shared, and every video replayed strengthens a bond. And these players? They've turned into ambassadors, not just of cricket but of culture.
Behind the scenes isn't just a phrase anymore—it's a strategy. Fans love exclusivity and crave that little slice of unfiltered access. What was once the domain of news crews or broadcast teams is now in-house.
A glimpse of Yashasvi Jaiswal practising range-hitting, Sanju Samson cracking jokes during recovery, or Rashid Khan showing off his culinary skills—all captured in crisp vertical videos captioned with emojis and soundtracked by trending audio. This raw, real-time storytelling has made team social media handle the new dugouts for fans.
In numbers? A recent RR behind-the-scenes video logged 3.2 million views in under 48 hours. A CSK reel featuring Dhoni teasing Pathirana crossed 5 million. These aren't anomalies—they're part of a carefully plotted ecosystem where engagement means everything.
Some franchises have gone a step further, building digital fortresses around their fandom. For instance, some franchises like Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kolkata Knight Riders now have official apps that function as one-stop shops.
Want exclusive interviews? They're there. Fancy checking player analytics? Click away. Real-time polls, match predictions, and fan leaderboards? They're all baked in. These apps go beyond content—they offer community. It's not just about watching the match; it's about feeling part of it.
Credit: UTDSTC
Even teams like Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals have partnered with influencers to ride the waves of social media trends. The goal? To move from trending to timeless. Because a well-executed prank or a relatable skit creates more stickiness than a generic scorecard update.
And just when you thought it couldn't get more immersive, in steps virtual and augmented reality. Imagine walking through a stadium tunnel from your living room or playing catch with Hardik Pandya using your phone's camera. It's happening- slowly but surely.
Franchises are toying with fan-first tech that will soon change how we experience cricket altogether. When every fan can be at the centre of the story, even from miles away, loyalty isn't just earned—it's lived.
The IPL was never just about cricket. Now, it's not even about sport; it's about creating universes around teams where fans don't just cheer—they participate, co-create, and engage year-round.
Franchises that master this aren't just gaining followers but building families. In a tournament where fortunes change quickly, that might be the biggest victory of all.
