Sir Viv Richards leads cricket's latest foray into the world of NFTs

The West Indies legend is among a fresh clutch of players to allow exclusive digital content to be available for sale in the form of non-fungible tokens

Cricket's relationship with the world of non-fungible tokens has been expanded after a host of stars, including Sir Viv Richards, became the latest figures to sign-up for the digital venture.

NFTs are pieces of verified encrypted content that fans can purchase via an online marketplace using an Ethereum wallet.

Global cryptocurrency company Crypto.com, in partnership with Defi the Game, have built the platform from which custom NFTs will be made available from September 30.

“Cricket’s all about the fans and I have always enjoyed my interactions with them, so partnering with Crypto.com and Defi the Game is a perfect opportunity for me to reach out to my fans in new ways,” said Richards.

Others to have signed up to the venture include Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik and Herschelle Gibbs. Dan Lawrence and Ravi Bopara lead the English contingent.

^{NFTs can take the shape of images, videos or memorabilia}

Major brands such as Aston Martin and music personalities including Snoop Dog and Lionel Richie are already part of the scheme.

Purchasable content will include meet-and-greet opportunities, coaching sessions, tickets to matches with VIP hospitality and signed memorabilia. NFTs can theoretically be created by anyone and can be traded and sold.

This represents cricket's latest foray into the world of cryptocurrency and NFTs.

Last week, Cricket Foundation announced an NFT marketplace involving the likes of Lance Klusener, VVS Laxman and Wasim Akram.

It is hoped the platform can provide an alternative revenue avenue, particularly for players in the latter stages of their careers in the public eye, and build on the relationship between supporters and performers.

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