New AI Initiative Launched for a Safer Cricket Community Ahead of Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

The ICC (International Cricket Council)  has launched a new software as part of a social media moderation programme for the Women’s T20 World Cup to help protect the cricket community from “toxic content” to safeguard the mental health of individuals and “ensure a safer, kinder and healthier online community for the sport.”

Aim

This programme is designed to identify and filter out toxic comments, including hate speech, harassment, and misogynistic content, ensuring a safer, more respectful environment for everyone involved in the tournament. 

Key Features of the ICC Digital Rollout

In addition to this social media programme, fans of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will have access to several exclusive features on the ICC’s official website and app.

• Live and free radio commentary from the ICC Audio World Feed will be available globally for every match through the ICC Match Centre.
• Live streaming of matches, available free in select territories, including Southeast Asia, continental Europe, and the Pacific Islands, through ICC.tv on the ICC website and app. Fans can check the full list of countries to see if they can access this service.
• Interactive fan engagement features, such as the chance to win prizes by predicting the Aramco Player of the Match.
• Exclusive content, including match highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, live scores, stats, schedules, and team standings. Fans can follow and join the conversation with the official event hashtag.

Partnering with GoBubble 

• To carry out the social media moderation, the ICC has partnered with GoBubble, a leading provider of AI-powered technology and human resources for content moderation. 
• GoBubble’s cutting-edge solution will monitor and moderate the ICC’s official social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, as well as the social media accounts of participating players who have signed up for the service.
• Harmful comments will be hidden from public view, allowing fans to engage with the World Cup without exposure to negativity.

Empowering Players in a Safer Digital Space

• Players can opt into the moderation service to have harmful content filtered from their personal social media channels, enabling them to promote their sport and personal brand without fear of online abuse. 
• The initiative also provides a safeguard for younger players, who may be more vulnerable to the impact of negative comments on their mental health.

Remarks on importance of the programme

ICC Head of Digital Finn Bradshaw

• We are dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all participants and fans of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. 
• It’s been great to see so many of the players and teams embrace our new initiative.

South African cricketer Sinalo Jafta 

• She praised the initiative, stating, “For me, social media protection takes a lot of weight off players, especially during World Cup campaigns when the pressure is at its peak. 
• There’s nothing worse than opening your phone after a loss—or even a victory—and seeing degrading comments.”
• Jafta emphasized how crucial this protection is for younger players who are more engaged with social media. 
• That protection is huge because it allows players to share their lives with the world without fear of being judged or criticized. 
• I’m excited to see how this helps players feel free and truly express who they are.

A New Era of Safe Digital Engagement

• With the launch of this social media moderation programme, the ICC is taking proactive steps to ensure that cricket remains a positive and supportive space for everyone involved. 
• The initiative marks an important moment in sports, where the mental health and safety of players and fans are given priority both on and off the field.

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup is the ninth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. 

In August 2024, the ICC announced that the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup would be played in the United Arab Emirates, with the Bangladesh Cricket Board remaining the official hosts.

Participating Nations

• In Group A, Australia, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka.
• In Group B, Bangladesh, West Indies, England, Scotland, and South Africa.

Dates

• Group Stage : October 3 to October 15, 2024
• Semi-finals : October 17 and 18, 2024
• Final : October 20, 2024

Prize Money

• Winner of the tournament : $2,340,000
• Runner-up in final : $1,170,000
• Losing semi-finalists : $675,000 to both teams