ECB strikes technology partnership with Cognizant
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has inked a wide-ranging partnership with information technology company Cognizant.
Under the agreement, the New Jersey-based firm becomes the ECB’s digital technology and IT consulting partner.
Cognizant will serve as the key strategic advisory for the national cricket body’s recreational game systems programme, which will develop new digital systems that will aim to simplify administrative tasks involved in the running of recreational cricket.
This will include an annual innovation fund, through which the ECB will trial early-stage innovations across areas such as commercial, fan engagement, and infrastructure.
The first phase of this initiative will take effect in 2025.
Cognizant will additionally lead digital and technology initiatives alongside the ECB, in order to perpetuate the growth of cricket across England and Wales.
The deal marks the latest partnership for the ECB, after revealing a new agreement with UK property website Zoopla earlier this week.
“The ECB is delighted to collaborate with Cognizant to advance its digital technology transformation,” said Alison Crowe, Director of Digital and Data at the ECB.
“Cognizant bring a wealth of experience in this space and hugely impressive credentials.
“It’s a new approach for us to be able to work with a partner in this way and the Digital & Data and Technology teams at the ECB are excited to be working with Cognizant, to help transform the recreational game.”
Rohit Gupta, Managing Director at Cognizant, UK and Ireland, added, “Together, we aim to serve its community better with personalised digital experiences that can scale with the ECB’s evolving technology landscape and the needs of everyone involved in the great game.
“This will mean the ECB can make playing and organising cricket more enjoyable and streamlined, and also unlock new and deeper engagement for cricket communities with their services and commercial offerings.”
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