Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashanth Prakash Become Bengaluru Franchise Owners in the Global e-Cricket Premier League

Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashanth Prakash Become Bengaluru Franchise Owners in the Global e-Cricket Premier League

The rapidly expanding esports scene in India is set to reach new heights with the announcement that Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamath, Curefoods founder Ankit Nagori, and Accel partner Prashanth Prakash are now joint owners of the Bengaluru franchise team in the Global e-Cricket Premier League (GEPL). The second season of this innovative league, run by digital entertainment and technology company JetSynthesys, is building momentum as these successful entrepreneurs step into the world of competitive gaming.

A New Era for Esports in India

This marks a significant milestone in India’s burgeoning esports industry, where JetSynthesys aims to blend the passion for cricket with cutting-edge gaming technology. Speaking to The Economic Times, Rajan Navani, CEO of JetSynthesys, emphasized the game-changing potential of team ownership. “This is the first time that, like in IPL or other leagues, we are selling our team,” Navani said. “Selling a franchise team tied to a specific city will enhance fan engagement, similar to traditional sports leagues, and elevate the overall experience.”

The Bengaluru team’s new owners are well-known figures in their respective industries and share a deep passion for the gaming world. Their involvement not only reflects the rising popularity of esports in India but also signals a promising future for the sport, especially as it blends India’s beloved game of cricket with the digital age.

Esports as a Platform for India’s Innovation

Nikhil Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha and a successful investor, sees esports as a dynamic and growing field, particularly in India. “The gaming industry is incredibly exciting right now, especially with how fast things are moving in India,” Kamath said. “We’ve reached a point where we’re not just participating in global gaming—we’re creating esportable games for the world.”

Kamath’s enthusiasm for fostering talent within the esports arena is echoed by Ankit Nagori, founder of Curefoods. Nagori highlighted his vision for the gaming industry, stating, “I’m truly passionate about the video gaming industry and excited about the vision JetSynthesys has for taking cricket to the world as India’s premier esport.” He sees gaming as a potentially significant contributor to India’s economy and as a promising career path for India’s tech-savvy youth.

Prashanth Prakash, a partner at Accel, added that the combination of cricket and gaming represents a unique opportunity to showcase India's technological innovation on a global scale. “This partnership with JetSynthesys aligns perfectly with my passion for innovation and my belief in the potential of cricket as a global esport,” Prakash said. He expressed confidence that the collaboration will foster a thriving esports ecosystem, empowering aspiring gamers.

GEPL’s Second Season: Scaling New Heights

The Global e-Cricket Premier League held its inaugural season in December 2023, attracting a multiplatform reach of over 70 million viewers. In this second season, JetSynthesys plans to expand the team format to accommodate more players and fans. With the backing of these new franchise owners, the GEPL aims to solidify its position as a major player in the global esports market.

Navani highlighted the league’s potential for creating career opportunities within esports. Top players are now being offered monthly salaries, similar to traditional athletes, while also gaining prominence as content creators. The expanding visibility and engagement around esports, coupled with brand endorsements, are expected to make e-cricket a sustainable career option for many.

Interestingly, the GEPL is an inclusive platform where athletes of all abilities can compete. Navani pointed out that one of last season’s top players was a wheelchair user, demonstrating the league’s commitment to inclusivity and breaking down barriers in the world of sports.

The Future of Esports and E-Cricket

The future of e-cricket appears particularly bright as the world gears up for cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics. Navani speculates that the Global e-Cricket Premier League could play a key role in introducing the sport to international audiences, potentially making it a way for people to learn and appreciate cricket worldwide.

The finals of the second season of GEPL are scheduled for January 2025, and with the entry of high-profile team owners and a growing fanbase, it promises to be a pivotal moment in the evolution of esports in India.

Conclusion

The entry of prominent entrepreneurs like Nikhil Kamath, Ankit Nagori, and Prashanth Prakash into the Global e-Cricket Premier League is a significant step forward for the esports industry in India. Their involvement underscores the growing recognition of esports as a serious platform for investment, innovation, and career development. As e-cricket continues to evolve, it not only offers a new form of entertainment but also represents an exciting avenue for the future of sports and technology in India.

The Bengaluru franchise, backed by such influential figures, could very well set the tone for esports in India and beyond. With the rise of digital entertainment and gaming, and as more entrepreneurs recognize its potential, the global esports landscape is poised for tremendous growth—and India is right at the forefront.

Reference From: economictimes.indiatimes.com