What Happened to ESPNcricinfo?
ESPNcricinfo, originally launched as CricInfo in 1993, evolved into a premier digital destination for cricket news, live scores, and statistics. After being acquired by ESPN in 2007 and rebranded, it became part of the JioStar group in November 2024 following a merger involving Disney India and Reliance Industries. In June 2026, the platform reverted to its original, iconic name, Cricinfo, continuing its legacy as a comprehensive cricket information hub.
Quick Answer
ESPNcricinfo, a leading cricket news and statistics website, recently reverted to its original name, Cricinfo, in June 2026. This rebranding followed its acquisition in November 2024 by the JioStar group, a joint venture between Disney India, Reliance Industries, and Viacom18. The platform continues to operate actively, providing extensive coverage of global cricket, including live matches, news, and historical data, maintaining its position as a vital resource for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline10 events
CricInfo Launched
Simon King, a British researcher at the University of Minnesota, launches CricInfo, a pioneering sports news website dedicated to cricket, initially as an online community.
Dot-com Bubble Impact
Cricinfo's estimated worth reached $150 million, but the company faced significant difficulties and financial struggles the following year due to the dot-com bubble crash.
Acquired by Wisden Group
Cricinfo is acquired by the Wisden Group, publishers of the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, and is subsequently renamed Wisden Cricinfo.
Acquired by ESPN
ESPN Inc. announces its acquisition of Cricinfo from the Wisden Group for an undisclosed sum, aiming to expand its online sports properties. The site is rebranded as ESPNcricinfo.
Sachin Tendulkar Record Traffic
ESPNcricinfo's popularity is demonstrated when the site experiences heavy traffic and temporary outages after Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar breaks the record for the highest individual score in a men's One Day International match.
Launches 'Insights' Feature
ESPNcricinfo launches 'Insights,' a new feature powered by Epson India, offering fans in-depth statistics and analysis by leveraging decades of cricketing data.
Introduces 'AskCricinfo'
ESPNcricinfo launches AskCricinfo, a natural language search tool designed to help users explore cricket statistics more intuitively.
Becomes Part of JioStar Group
ESPNcricinfo becomes part of the JioStar group, a joint venture formed after the merger of Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company's India business.
Reverts to 'Cricinfo' Name
As part of an operational transition under JioStar, ESPNcricinfo reverts to its original name, 'Cricinfo,' with plans for AI-powered innovations in storytelling.
Continues Active Coverage
Cricinfo (formerly ESPNcricinfo) continues to provide real-time news, live scores, and analysis for ongoing international cricket, including the West Indies vs. Sri Lanka Test series.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
ESPNcricinfo began its journey as CricInfo on March 15, 1993, founded by Simon King as a pioneering online community for cricket enthusiasts. It rapidly gained popularity by offering live scores and comprehensive archives, relying heavily on volunteer contributions from around the world. By 2000, its estimated worth reached $150 million, though it faced financial challenges during the dot-com bubble crash the following year.
In 2002, the Wisden Group, known for publishing the Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, acquired Cricinfo, renaming it Wisden Cricinfo and integrating it into their online operations. This period saw the site solidify its position as a authoritative source for cricket statistics and news. A significant turning point occurred in June 2007 when ESPN Inc. announced its acquisition of Cricinfo from the Wisden Group for an undisclosed sum. The site was subsequently rebranded as ESPNcricinfo, leveraging ESPN's global reach and resources to expand its content offerings, including enhanced video content and integration with other ESPN digital properties.
The platform continued to innovate, launching features like 'Insights' in 2015, which provided advanced statistical analysis, and 'AskCricinfo' in 2021, a natural language search tool for cricket statistics. Its popularity was evident, for instance, in February 2010 when it experienced heavy traffic after Sachin Tendulkar broke a major One Day International record. Throughout these years, ESPNcricinfo maintained a strong editorial identity, with Sambit Bal serving as editor-in-chief for an extended period.
A major shift in ownership occurred in November 2024 when ESPNcricinfo became part of the JioStar group. This transition was a result of the merger between Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Company's India business, with JioStar being a joint venture that includes Disney India and Viacom18. This acquisition signaled a new strategic direction, particularly within the Indian market, which is a massive hub for cricket.
The most recent significant development happened on June 24, 2026, when the platform announced its reversion to the original name, 'Cricinfo.' This rebranding was described as an 'operational transition' by JioStar, aiming to reinforce the site's core identity and commitment to passionate cricket fans globally. The platform also announced plans for AI-powered innovations to enhance storytelling. As of July 4, 2026, Cricinfo remains an active and comprehensive source for cricket, providing live coverage, news, and in-depth analysis for ongoing international matches, such as the West Indies vs. Sri Lanka Test series.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if ESPNcricinfo made different choices?