Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has invested in Hyderabad-based gaming startup Metasports Interactive, the developer of mobile cricket strategy game Hitwicket. The investment marks Tendulkar’s entry as a strategic investor in the company, which is targeting 100 million downloads for its flagship game over the next three years.
The financial details of the investment have not been disclosed. Beyond his investment, Tendulkar will contribute to the game’s development, drawing on his experience as an international cricketer to help make its gameplay more realistic and engaging.
Hitwicket Crosses 20 Million Players
Founded in 2020 by Kashyap Reddy and Keerti Singh, Metasports Interactive has built a player base of more than 20 million across over 120 countries through Hitwicket.
The game focuses on cricket strategy and decision-making rather than simply replicating on-field action. Players manage teams and make tactical choices involving batting, bowling, field placements and match situations.
The company says users spend an average of around 51–52 minutes playing the game daily. Its revenue doubled in the six months leading up to the investment announcement, with more than 97% of revenue coming from in-app purchases.
Tendulkar to Shape Game Development
Tendulkar’s involvement will extend beyond his role as an investor and brand ambassador. He will help the development team incorporate the finer aspects of professional cricket into the gaming experience.
His likeness will also appear as a playable character, alongside special in-game content and brand activations. The company is exploring ways to incorporate different phases of Tendulkar’s cricketing career into the game, including potential roles as a mentor or strategist.
Tendulkar said Hitwicket stood out for translating the strategic thinking involved in cricket into an interactive gaming experience.
$20 Million Funding Supports Global Expansion
The investment comes after Metasports secured $20 million in user acquisition funding from London-based growth financing company Metica in April 2026. The funding is intended to support player acquisition and international expansion.
The startup is backed by Prime Venture Partners, Singapore-based Horizon Ventures and cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle, among others.
India accounts for nearly half of Hitwicket’s revenue, while the UK, US and Australia are among its major overseas markets.
Metasports Eyes Games Beyond Cricket
Metasports is looking to expand beyond cricket and build a portfolio of mobile sports games for international audiences. The company is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence to accelerate game development and improve player experiences.
CEO Kashyap Reddy has said the broader ambition is to build a mobile sports gaming business comparable to global publishers such as EA Sports.
With Tendulkar joining the company, Metasports aims to strengthen Hitwicket’s global visibility and move towards its 100-million-download target over the next three years.
