Players Not Reluctant To Let Camera Peep Into Their Space Now: Anil Kumble

Legendary India spinner Anil Kumble says in this content-driven age, most of the modern-day cricketers are not averse to the idea of letting everyone know what's going on in their 'space' while Matthew Hayden reckons that a player's brand has become as powerful as that of an administrator or a broadcaster. The former India captain also agreed with the former Australia cricketer that players, who would earlier not agree to have a camera in their dressing room, will now be happy to hold the mic and discuss team strategies.

They spoke during a panel discussion titled "Live, Immersive & Digital Experience: How Sports Leagues are Driving Innovation" during the WAVES Summit on Saturday.

"Most of the innovations that have come in cricket have been broadcast-driven, whether it was the speed gun at the start to what it is now," Kumble said.

"The primary stakeholder, who is the player, has always been reluctant to use any of these innovative methods but times are changing. If you look back at 2008 to what it is now, even from a broadcast perspective, innovations that have come through in the IPL itself, in cricket itself, has been massive," he said.

Kumble agreed that almost everyone is trying to become a brand and in the process is creating content, be it on the field during matches or on various social media platforms.

"That's the change we've seen over the last few years thanks to social media. I like to use that word because content is something that everyone's creating. As a young player or an established one, you're letting everyone into your own life.

"What is going on, people are showcasing that. What is the personality that you have, people are showcasing that so they're not averse to cameras coming in.

"It was not easy