Virgin Mobile launched an online cricket fantasy game today, Indian Hatke League (IHL), with an aim to leverage the cricket mania during the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The online game will provide users the option to play for any of the eight teams participating in the 47-day IPL, to be held in South Africa April 18-May 24, while their scores on the basis of performance will determine their standings.
On the launching of the this online cricket game , Virgin Mobile chief executive M.A. Madhusudan said the initiative was strictly a brand-building exercise.We have launched the game for the Indian youth and not just for Virgin Mobile customers.
The players will compete against each other during the period with the prospect to win prizes at the end of the tournament, he said.To enjoy the game, users have to login at www.indianhatkeleague.com, sign up and play for absolutely no cost.As per the Virgin IHL format, a total of eight teams with 11 players each will play 20-over matches.
Virgin Mobile has got some unusual names for the participating teams – Delhi Dhinchaks, Deccan Chillieaters, Kolkata Tram Riders, Chennai Super Muthus, Kakke’s XI Punjab, Mumbai Manoos, Rajasthan Muchhads and Royal Chillmaadis Bangalore.
The company is offering Hyundai's recently launched hatchback i20, Sony's video game console Play Station and Virgin Mobile handsets as prizes to the winners of the IHL game according to reports, the company earlier had plans to be part of the Twenty20 extravaganza by striking sponsorship deals with Delhi Daredevils, but it pulled out as the tournament's venue was shifted to South Africa.
