5 cricketers who have their own mobile apps

In today's fast-paced world, social media acts as the major platform through which the biggest sporting icons interact with their fans and express their views. With such cricket-frenzy audiences flocking to stadiums and following their favourite players through digital platforms, it is natural for cricketers to wish to engage with their fans and maintain a healthy relationship.

Some have even gone a step ahead and launched their own mobile apps to connect with their fans on. Let us take a look at some cricketers who currently have their own mobile apps.

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#5 Ravindra Jadeja

Ranked no.2 in the world, both as a bowler and an all-rounder in Tests, Ravindra Jadeja has proven to be India's best all-rounder in the longer format. Fondly called 'Sir Jadeja' in social media circles, Jaddu is hugely popular on Instagram, where he has around 1.8 million followers.

Jadeja launched his own exclusive app in June this year, the Ravindra Jadeja official app, in collaboration with an organization named EscapeX, based in New York. This app provides an opportunity for fans to have exclusive chats with the Saurashtra-born cricketer, and also provides the space for fans to participate in contests and win goodies.

He also endorses the brand Zeven, through his official platform. It also consists of featured views and provides insights into the personal life of the cricketer. This app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store, and so far has reached 10,000 downloads.

#4 Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma launched his app in August

The lanky pacer, who has currently fallen out of favour with the Indian team, decided to launch his own app in August this year, the Ishant Sharma official app, powered by EscapeX. He made the announcement through a tweet, where he stressed the need for him to have personal connect with his fans and engage with them through exciting contests.

It consists of in-app purchases, and the content ranges from exclusive videos to fan contests and live chats. The users are awarded rating points which eventually allows them to meet Ishant in person. This app currently has very few downloads, but with time, it might garner more popularity.

#3 AB de Villiers

De Villiers launched his app during the IPL

The South African star, who has a huge fan following across the globe, decided to launch his own official app during the course of the Indian Premier League in April this year. Named AB17, de Villiers stressed the fact that this application would help him interact and engage in a more authentic manner, providing his fans with the opportunity to observe what the life of an international cricketer looks like.

Developed by FanHero technologies, the content of this app is owned by ABD himself and has become popular across the globe. It currently has around 50,000 downloads and has been rated quite well by the users.

#2 Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin's app is a one-stop destination for all cricket lovers

After the end of a glittering career, the Master Blaster announced his arrival on the digital platforms through his own mobile app, 100 MB, which was launched in Mumbai earlier this year. The app was launched with a title song, where Sachin explains what life was for him as a child. He then proceeds to thank all the people who helped him achieve his dreams.

Developed by JetSynthesys Private Limited, this app includes live interactions with Sachin and various other cricket stars, live score updates and unlimited fun activities earning users redeemable points. It currently has 100,000 downloads and is available both on Android and iOS.

#1 Virat Kohli

Virat FanBox was the first of its kind in India

Virat Kohli is probably the most sought-after cricketer in the world right now, as he keeps scaling incredible heights with each passing match. He has a huge number of followers across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and endorses various popular brands like Puma and Wrogn.

Virat announced a special platform to interact with his fans in April this year, launching the Virat FanBox, which includes access to a fan club, specialized app and numerous live chats and training sessions.

Developed by the Singapore based PrivyPlex, the kit contains a Moto-G turbo smartphone and a signed miniature bat. The box is priced at Rs.16,999 and fans even get a chance to practice and meet up with Kohli after matches. Kohli can also interact with his fans through live sessions, courtesy a specialized button on his smartphone.