CHENNAI: Fans have played a major role in making Chennai Super Kings as one of the most loved teams in the Indian Premier League. Back after a two-year ban, CSK, in order to bolster its fan base in social media, has roped in Tekplay Systems as technology partner. “Fans and social media play an important role in the tournament.
They are the reason why CSK is one of the most admired teams in the IPL. Tekplay Sytems will be our technology partners in the upcoming season,’’ said George John, full time director of CSK Cricket limited. Prabhuram, executive director of Tekplay Systems, was optimistic about increasing the fan base. “As partner, we will be responsible for building CSK 2.0 digital platform.
The new platform will integrate e-commerce for merchandising and ticketing as well as applications for driving fan engagement and platform revenues,’’ said Prabhuram. John credited the success of CSK to coach Stephen Fleming and MS Dhoni for making it an iconic brand. “We will have the same support staff we had two years back.
Fleming too will be on board as coach and the talks are on the advanced stage,” George told Express. He also expressed the team’s objective to bring back Dhoni.
“We will try our best to get back as many players who played for CSK two years back. But as far as MS Dhoni is concerned he was synonymous with CSK and we will go all out to get him. He has such a big fan following here and all franchise need a player like him to keep their brand and fans intact, so bringing back Dhoni is our top priority,” insisted George.
The TNPL has been a big hit and three players last year played in the IPL for various teams. “The TNPL has been a wonderful breeding ground to spot talent. We have seen some amazing performances in the last two editions. We will certainly look players who fill our slots,” said Geroge.
Asked about if the team is interested in roping the players like Washington Sundar and Sai Kishore, he replied, “We would love to have them. Both performed splendidly in TNPL. But it will not be easy to bid as every team will also be in the race.”
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com