Cricket networking platform targets seamless mobility for athletes as sports industry embraces borderless opportunities
FreeAgent, a global athlete networking platform focused on cricket career development, announced Tuesday a strategic partnership with Indian travel giant EaseMyTrip to simplify international travel for sports professionals.
The deal addresses a growing pain point in professional cricket: complex travel logistics that can derail career opportunities. Through the partnership, FreeAgent’s user base will access EaseMyTrip’s travel infrastructure, including specialized flight bookings, visa assistance, and comprehensive mobility solutions.
“We’re seeing unprecedented demand for global cricket talent, but travel complexity remains a major barrier,” said Munish Rao, Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer at FreeAgent. “This partnership eliminates those friction points, allowing athletes to focus on performance rather than paperwork.”
The collaboration comes as cricket expands globally, with new leagues launching across multiple continents and increasing demand for international talent mobility. Industry analysts estimate the global cricket market could reach $2.5 billion by 2028, driven partly by franchise leagues requiring seamless player movement.
EaseMyTrip, which reported revenues of ₹629 crores ($75 million) in fiscal 2024, brings established travel infrastructure to the sports sector. The company has processed over 50 million bookings since its 2008 founding.
“Sports travel presents unique challenges – tight schedules, visa complexities, team coordination,” said Nishant Pitti, EaseMyTrip’s Founder and Chairman. “Our platform is built to handle these complications efficiently.”
The partnership targets multiple user segments: emerging players seeking overseas opportunities, experienced coaches joining international clubs, and teams preparing for global tournaments. FreeAgent claims its platform connects over 100,000 cricket professionals worldwide.
For FreeAgent, the deal represents strategic expansion beyond its core networking services. The London-headquartered company has been building what it calls a “borderless cricketing ecosystem,” positioning itself as infrastructure for the sport’s globalization.
The travel sector has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with business travel – including sports-related movement – driving growth. EaseMyTrip’s stock has gained 15% year-to-date, reflecting broader optimism in the travel industry.
Both companies expect the partnership to launch services within the next quarter, initially focusing on cricket-heavy markets including India, England, Australia, and the Caribbean before expanding globally.
