ICC appoints Opta as its official data provider

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has roped in Opta, the world's leading sports information provider, as its official data provider for the next two years.
It means Opta will receive exclusive access to the stadia for all major ICC events as well as the exclusive distribution rights for live data.
Opta will also supply live detailed ball-by-ball data, squad statistics and scorecards to all ICC media platforms, ICC official partners, third parties and global media.
The presence of Opta's statisticians at venue to score the matches of ICC events will ensure that the scoring services they offer are the fastest, accurate and most comprehensive.

"Opta has a proven record in the sports industry and we are delighted to have them as our data provider for the next two years," ICC General Manager - Commercial, Campbell Jamieson, said in a statement.
"Besides next month's ICC Champions Trophy, the ICC will be staging the ICC World Twenty20 and the ICC Cricket World Cup, along with the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier over the next two years.

"As such, it is imperative that we to have a world class data provider who can efficiently supply accurate statistics that, in turn, can help the official partners, media and other third parties in the delivery of their professional responsibilities."

Opta's Chief Executive, Aidan Cooney, added: "Opta has a proven track record in delivering fast, detailed and accurate cricket data and we are delighted to become the official data provider of the ICC.
"This partnership will enable some of cricket's most prestigious tournaments to benefit from Opta data and we look forward to working with the ICC, their partners and the global cricket media over the next two years.