These days, it’s not enough to watch matches on your TV. Solid fans want to know everything, including any updates outside the pitch. This is why many of them are now downloading popular apps.
These apps have plenty to offer, and aside from real-time scores, many of them would have the latest betting odds, match commentaries, highlights, and exclusive content.
But as they pile on features, are they enhancing your match experience or eroding your focus? Let’s take a closer look.
Why Apps Matter Now
Mobile usage will continue to skyrocket as app downloads are projected to go up to over 299 billion by the end of this year. If so, that’ll be an 8% annual increase from 2023.
Apps form a big part of that: in India, as they represent over half of all sports downloads. Platforms like Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, and ICC engage tens of millions via live scores, in-depth commentary, and video highlights.
What Cricket Apps Offer and Why Fans Love Them
So, why are cricket apps considered a must-have for serious fans? Here are the most common features that many popular cricket apps have:
- Match commentary & expert insights: Many apps offer written or video analysis from former cricket players, journalists, or experts during and after matches.
- Highlights & video clips: These are short replays of key moments in a match. It’s great for relieving highlights or simply for those who also can’t watch a live match.
- News & squad updates: All the latest news on your favorite leagues, tournaments, and cricket players.
- Fantasy & prediction games: Some apps allow fans to make daily predictions and compare them with other users. For these apps, it’s more about building cricket communities.
- Odds & betting integration: Some cricket apps might be affiliated with a cricket betting app for Android or iOS, and usually, they have exclusive bonuses like free bets.
Understanding Push Notifications: Match Distractions or Smart Design?
Push notifications are how cricket apps remind you of wicket alerts, partnership milestones, or final scores. So, they can significantly improve engagement when used well. A study found that users who opt in to push notifications stay nearly 3 times longer (190% higher retention) than those who don’t.
But when notifications become generic, irrelevant, or too frequent, users often mute them or uninstall the app. A Business of Apps report states that if users receive 3–6 alerts weekly, 40% would opt out. So, we can say that the USB Goldilocks rule applies: too few and you miss moments, too many and you block them all.
When Notifications Shift Toward Promotion
Some cricket apps start blurring the line between updates and ads. During breaks or innings ends, prompts push fantasy leagues, merchandise, or links to cricket betting apps.
There’s a reason for that, of course: deeper monetization. Unquestionably, betting sites are profitable partners, and when user engagement surges, they pay to display overlay advertising or links. That typically occurs during match lulls for cricket apps.
However, most fans downloaded the app for the scores, not the sales pitches, thus these taps run the risk of offending them. This is particularly true if the push seems invasive.
Some studies show that users prefer apps that remain focused. Cricket apps that randomly nudge you toward sign-up pages or bet offers see higher uninstall rates after just a few weeks. Those that stick to quality content keep users longer, even when monetizing through smarter subscription or ad models.
Should You Then Turn Off Notifications?
Regarding turning push notifications off, it depends on how you use your phone. Here are some things to consider:
- Are you working? Socially active? Watching the match live? Probably mute the alerts.
- Checking stats or following multiple games? Keep them on, but choose only critical updates (live scores, wickets).
Custom allow settings are key. The app that lets you prioritize what you want to see. Now, doing that may make you miss something, but the trade is a clearer mind and less phone fatigue.
If that’s the case, is there anyone even interested in betting partnerships that cricket apps have?
Yes, that’s why it can be an option to keep betting promos part of your alerts on some apps. In India alone, over 340 million Indians are participating in betting during major events like the Indian Premier League (IPL). So, there is a market for that, but it’s perfectly fine if you’re not one of them.
Final Words
There’s no denying that cricket apps are more dependable than ever. However, they need sharp boundaries. If an app crosses into “push-first, play-later,” it deserves to be replaced. That said, always look for apps that offer pretty much what you’re looking for: live scores, latest news, etc.
Maybe resist the lure of apps that prioritize ads and promotions (like those steering you toward a cricket betting app during match breaks). This way, you won’t feel distracted when watching live matches.
