The South Korean gaming major, KRAFTON, has named Indian cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal as the official brand ambassador for its cricket gaming franchise, Real Cricket, in a move aimed at accelerating its expansion in India’s fast-growing sports gaming market.
The partnership will see Jaiswal headline integrated marketing campaigns, digital storytelling initiatives and community-led activations for the Real Cricket franchise. The collaboration will also extend to in-game integrations and branded experiences designed to deepen engagement with cricket-first audiences across mobile platforms.
KRAFTON India said the association reinforces its commitment to developing locally relevant gaming experiences that reflect India’s deep-rooted cricket culture. By aligning with one of the country’s most promising young international players, the company aims to strengthen Real Cricket’s positioning among digitally native fans who increasingly consume the sport through interactive formats.
Jaiswal, who has rapidly emerged as a key figure in India’s batting lineup, is widely regarded for his composure, preparation and aggressive stroke play. His rise through domestic and international cricket has made him a relatable figure for younger audiences, a demographic central to India’s mobile gaming ecosystem.
Commenting on the partnership, Jaiswal said, “The preparation happens long before the first ball is bowled. Real Cricket captures that intensity – the focus, the strategy, the pressure of every decision. It’s a platform that lets fans step into that mindset, and I’m proud to be part of a franchise that takes the sport as seriously as we do on the field.”
Anuj Sahani, Head – KRAFTON India Gaming Incubator & Director, Publishing, KRAFTON India, added, “Yashasvi represents everything Real Cricket stands for – discipline, preparation, and performance under pressure. His journey mirrors the ethos we’ve built into the game: that success in cricket, whether on the field or on the screen, comes from understanding the sport deeply and respecting the craft. As we scale Real Cricket from a beloved homegrown franchise into a mainstream cricket platform, we needed an ambassador who embodies authenticity and resonates with the generation that plays as much as they watch. Yashasvi is that connection – a young, relatable cricketer whose mindset aligns perfectly with how millions of Indians now experience their favourite sport: interactively, strategically, and with genuine competitive intent.”
To mark the collaboration, KRAFTON India has released a cinematic master film centred on one of cricket’s most defining moments: the silence before the first ball. The campaign draws parallels between on-field intensity and the strategic depth of competitive mobile gameplay, reinforcing Real Cricket’s positioning as a serious cricket simulation experience.
Real Cricket remains one of India’s most recognised cricket simulation franchises, offering immersive gameplay, licensed features and multiple competitive formats tailored to cricket enthusiasts. The title has built a substantial user base in India and other key cricket-following markets.
The announcement underscores the increasing convergence between live sport and interactive entertainment in India, where mobile gaming adoption continues to scale. Through this partnership, KRAFTON is seeking to further localise its portfolio and deepen its footprint within the country’s sports gaming segment.
