How digital platform Rario changing the way fans interact with their favourite cricket players

Rario is the world’s first officially licensed digital collectibles platform for cricket fans, founded in 2021 by IIT alumni Ankit Wadhwa and Sunny Bhanot. Since its inception, Rario has rapidly emerged as the largest digital cricket collectibles platform in the world, allowing fans to collect and trade digital cards featuring their favourite cricketers. In an interview with Bizz Buzz, Rana Handa, Chief Partnerships Officer, Rario, says, “Rario's future plans involve expanding partnerships with more international boards, leagues and players for the platform and offerings to enhance the overall fan experience for sports enthusiasts. Our goal is to give cricket lovers an opportunity to engage at a much deeper level with the sport they love”

How new-age technologies like blockchain are revolutionising the cricket fandom of the country?

By creating new and exciting ways for fans to engage with their favourite teams and players. Blockchain technology in particular has many use cases in the world of cricket, from ticketing to merchandise sales and digital collectibles. One of the most significant ways that blockchain is revolutionising cricket fandom is through the creation of digital collectibles. Platforms like Rario are leveraging blockchain technology to create a secure and transparent marketplace for fans to collect and exchange digital cards featuring their favourite players. In addition to digital collectibles, blockchain technology is also being used to enhance and secure the overall fan experience. For example, blockchain-based ticketing systems can prevent fraud and provide proof of ownership to legitimate buyers, reducing the risk of fraud.

Please tell us about Rario…

Rario is the world's first officially licensed digital collectibles platform for cricket fans. Since its inception, Rario has rapidly emerged as the largest digital cricket collectibles platform in the world, allowing fans to collect and trade digital cards featuring their favourite cricketers. We have partnered with some of the most prominent cricket boards and leagues globally, including the Big Bash League, Women's Big Bash League, Super Smash, Hero Caribbean Premier League, Lanka Premier League, Abu Dhabi T10 League, and Legends League Cricket, along with Cricket Australia, New Zealand Cricket, Zimbabwe Cricket Board, and Afghanistan Cricket Board. The platform has an extensive roster of over 150 international cricketers exclusively on their platform. Rario is changing the way cricket fans interact with their favourite players and teams by providing a unique opportunity to collect and trade digital collectibles, allowing them to engage with their favourite cricketers in a whole new way. Rario's innovative platform has received widespread recognition and appreciation from cricket enthusiasts worldwide. It provides an engaging and immersive experience for fans, allowing them to experience the thrill of the game in a new way

What are your plans for the upcoming IPL matches?

Rario has thrilling plans for the upcoming IPL matches that are sure to captivate fans and offer them an immersive and engaging experience. Our recent collaboration with the highly coveted IPL team, Punjab Kings, means that fans can now collect and trade their favourite player cards of the team through Rario. As a brand, we also believe the future of fan experiences is all about real life experiences which money can’t buy and hence we have created a comprehensive framework to connect cricket fans with their favourite player in many unique ways. By owning a Rario card, users can get access to not only signed merchandise but also can watch practice sessions; participate in events, virtual meetups; win tickets; and a host of other benefits.

How can the digital collectible industry help popularise the game of cricket in untapped markets?

With the rise of online platforms, mobile applications, and latest technology, the digital collectible industry has seen a significant surge in popularity in recent years. This presents a unique opportunity for cricket, which has a massive fan base around the world, to expand its reach to untapped markets and increase its popularity. Digital collectibles allow fans to collect, trade, and showcase their favourite team and player cards, providing a fun and interactive way to engage with the sport. The ability to own a piece of the game through collectibles can create a deeper connection and emotional investment in the sport, ultimately leading to greater engagement and interest in cricket. Back in time, people pledged allegiance to their favourite players by buying player cards and keeping that card with them. With the arrival of new technology, cards now come with many utilities where fans can trade cards online in real-time and play various strategy games like our very own D3. Club Web3 based game where winning depends on the knowledge of the game.

Are you also dealing in online Web3-based games? If yes, what can the user win in those games and can they also be used as an investment?

Last year, we launched D3, a cricket strategy game that allows users to build their own team of players and compete against other users in real-time matches. Users can earn rewards by winning matches, and they can also use these rewards to purchase additional player cards or trade with other users. In addition to being a fun and engaging game, D3 can also serve as an investment opportunity for users. The player cards used in the game have real-world value and can be traded on the Rario marketplace, with some cards potentially increasing in value over time based on player performance and market demand.

What are your future plans for Rario?

Rario's future plans involve expanding partnerships with more international boards, leagues and players for the platform and offerings to enhance the overall fan experience for sports enthusiasts. Our goal is to give cricket lovers an opportunity to engage at a much deeper level with the sport they love.