In this article, I am going to tell you about Cricketers Are the New Digital Influencers. So if you want to know about it, then keep reading this article. Because I am going to give you complete information about it, so let’s start.
When one thinks of cricketers, it is common to think of them standing on a field waiting to catch somebody out, spinning a ball at the batsman with unbelievable speed, or striking forward to hit a six. These are the things that cricketers (and fans) live for.
However, there has been a change in how cricketers are viewed recently—particularly those closely affiliated with the IPL (Indian Premier League). The athletes playing in these leagues are still recognized as some of the best players in the world, but they are also seen as incredible digital influencers.
Today’s article focuses on the same, i.e., “Cricketers Are the New Digital Influencers” The articles entail each bit of information necessary for you to know.
Let’s get started!✨
Table of Contents
Cricketers Are the New Digital Influencers
Let’s examine how these players are becoming the newest digital influencers and what it means for them and the IPL.
1. Digital Influencers
Before looking at who is making waves online, let’s clarify what a digital influencer is. In essence, a digital influencer creates content via social media platforms that center around a specific topic or theme they are endorsing (or, in some cases, boycotting). These people may have a staggering following on these platforms based on their knowledge, popularity, authority, or position in society.
Due to their standing because of their station in life, these people can affect the buying patterns, thoughts, and even beliefs of those that follow or subscribe to them. Effectively, they can influence their followers by sharing their thoughts on a product or topic.
While these influencers may not yet be a replacement for a proper digital marketing company and strategy when it comes to large corporations, many brands have started utilizing them and their reach for mutual benefit. As a result, there has been a boom among digital influencers in the last two decades.
2. IPL Buzz
One of the most critical things allowing these cricketers to rocket to influencer status is the league they are playing for—the IPL. Founded in 2007, this T20 (Twenty20) tournament is one of the most anticipated events in the cricketing year and has amassed an extensive fanbase.
The tournament has been known to attract as many as 307 million active viewers per season and is one of the most exciting sporting events in India and across the globe. The fact that it features T20 cricket—known for its adrenaline-fueled and nail-biting matches—has also helped the tournament become a household name amongst cricket lovers.
With a tournament that generates so much publicity, the players taking part in the matches are also thrust into the limelight and stardom. Fans worldwide know the team lineups by heart and can easily say who their preferred players are.
This buzz that surrounds the annual matches and the players who participate in them has led to the latter garnering many followers on social media. Sachin Tendulkar, considered one of the best batsmen in history, retired in 2013. Yet, despite this, he still has over 114 million followers across his social media platforms.
As such, his reputation has set him up perfectly to influence millions of fans with each post he makes—whether to endorse a product or service or simply share his thoughts.
While these cricketers are rocketed to stardom for their skill and by playing in the IPL, the favor is returned to the league. As each cricketer gathers more fans and followers, they have more reach to advertise IPL games and events.
These mentions, in turn, bring more fans to the tournament and generate even more buzz about upcoming, current, and past matches. As more people are attracted to the tournament, the cricketers gradually become more famous, and the cycle continues exponentially.
3. Digital Influencer Advertising
Thanks to the incredible ease at which cricketers can amass followers online, many have become digital influencers. While many players have done so purely to share their voices and opinions with fans, just as many have done it due to the endorsements of brands wishing to use their status for marketing purposes.
For this, all they need to do is mention a brand in a post and say that they enjoy the products or services offered by the company. Whether it be how to place a bet on a cricket match online or the latest Nike footwear, these sportsmen have the power to get followers rushing to a massive range of businesses.
But it is not all about getting people into certain stores and after specific items. The cricketers get paid generously for exercising their reach over their fans. Rohit Sarma—currently captain of the national team—is estimated to earn over £71,500 (or $90,000) per post on Instagram.
Another example of an advertising relationship is that between Virat Kohli and VIVO. Virat is known as the biggest cricket influencer in the world and has more followers than any other cricketer.
With 234 million Instagram followers, 50 million subscribers on Facebook, and 53 million followers on Twitter, Virat can reach 337 million people worldwide simply by updating his status.
In 2021, this cricketing and influencing legend signed a deal with smartphone manufacturer VIVO to become their brand ambassador. As such, he was required to share the brand with his followers and endorse the brand where necessary. The deal worked for the brand, which saw 25.8 million units shipping in India in 2021 alone.
Aside from advertising smartphones, Virat also charges advertising fees for any social post that he makes mentioning a specific brand or service. As such, he knows the power he has as an influencer and is making the most of it.
Conclusion:)
The IPL needs no introduction to any cricketing fans, and for fans of the IPL, the players in the tournament matches also need no introduction. They have rocketed to social media fame thanks to their prowess on the field and the reputation of one of the most significant leagues in cricket.
It is no surprise that they have become the new digital influencers people are turning to. So, follow, like, and subscribe to your favorite players to see what they’re saying and what products they endorse.
Read also:)
- The Power of Influencers: A-to-Z Guide for Beginners!
- 10+ Best Bio Link Tool for Influencers: A-to-Z Guide for Beginners!
- What is Influencer Marketing: A-to-Z Guide for Beginners!
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