The International Cricket Council (ICC) isn’t just focusing on the on-field action for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024—they’re stepping up their online game too! In a much-needed move, the ICC has rolled out an innovative AI tool designed to protect women cricketers from the toxic side of social media: hate speech, harassment and misogyny.
Creating a Safer Space for Women Cricketers
Let’s be real—this couldn’t have come at a better time. Women athletes, especially cricketers, have been increasingly subjected to online abuse, and it’s not something we can just brush off anymore.
The ICC is taking the first step to fix this problem by teaming up with GoBubble to monitor comments not just on their platforms but also on 60 women cricketers’ social accounts.
“The cutting-edge technology is designed to identify and hide from public view toxic content such as hate speech, harassment, and misogyny, helping to create a safer and more welcoming space for fans to engage with the World Cup,” the ICC said in a statement.
The goal is to give women cricketers the mental space to focus on their game, minus the noise from online trolls.
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Players Appreciate The Initiative
Naturally, the players are all for it. South African wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta didn’t hold back when she talked about how crucial this kind of protection is, especially during a World Cup.
“For me, with social media protection I think it takes a lot of weight off players, especially at World Cup campaigns as that is the worst of it,” Jafta said.
“There is nothing worse than opening up your phone after a loss — or after a victory — and regardless of what side you find yourself there is always some degrading comment about your personality,” she added.
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This initiative feels even more important for younger players. Let’s face it—telling a 20-something athlete to just “stay off social media” is almost laughable.
It’s a part of their daily routine, whether we like it or not. So, this tool might just help them breathe easier, knowing they can enjoy their online presence without all that negativity creeping in.
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