Mobile Premier League (MPL) is one of India’s leading online gaming platforms, rapidly growing its influence both within the country and internationally. Since its founding in 2018 by Sai Srinivas Kiran and Shubham Malhotra, MPL has transformed the online gaming landscape, offering a wide range of games, including fantasy sports, puzzle games, and board games. With its innovative approach and strategic partnerships, MPL has quickly risen to become one of the most recognized names in the gaming industry. This article delves into MPL’s journey, its business model, geographic expansion, partnerships, its role in shaping the online gaming market, and the vision behind its founding.
The Founders of MPL: Sai Srinivas Kiran and Shubham Malhotra
The success of MPL can largely be attributed to the vision and expertise of its co-founders, Sai Srinivas Kiran and Shubham Malhotra. Both were driven by a passion for technology and a deep understanding of the potential in mobile gaming, which helped them create a platform that would change how people engage with online games.
Sai Srinivas Kiran
Sai Srinivas Kiran, a former entrepreneur with a background in technology and business, played a pivotal role in shaping MPL’s strategic direction. Before founding MPL, Sai was involved in multiple tech ventures, and his experience in scaling businesses and understanding user behavior helped him create a platform that caters to a wide array of gaming enthusiasts. His vision was to bridge the gap between casual gamers and competitive players, providing a seamless experience for users across all levels of skill.
Srinivas’s leadership was integral to MPL’s rapid expansion. His ability to forge strategic partnerships and his knack for building an innovative, user-friendly platform made MPL a hit among Indian mobile gamers. Under his guidance, MPL not only expanded its portfolio but also made its mark internationally by acquiring gaming companies and entering new markets.
Shubham Malhotra
Shubham Malhotra, co-founder and chief operating officer of MPL, brought significant expertise in product development and user acquisition. His experience in the digital space allowed him to oversee the platform’s technical development, ensuring it remained competitive with other online gaming platforms. Shubham’s insight into the gaming industry was crucial in driving MPL’s growth, particularly in creating an engaging user interface and delivering a seamless gaming experience.
Before MPL, Shubham worked in the technology and operations sectors, where he honed his skills in building and scaling businesses. His background in operations was key in managing the logistics behind MPL’s ever-expanding game offerings and managing the influx of millions of new users. Shubham’s commitment to continuous product innovation helped MPL stay ahead of the curve, integrating new games and features based on evolving consumer demand.
Together, Sai Srinivas Kiran and Shubham Malhotra formed a formidable leadership duo, combining technical expertise with a deep understanding of the gaming community. Their shared vision for a comprehensive online gaming platform that appealed to both casual and competitive players is what made MPL a household name in India and beyond.
The Birth and Growth of MPL
MPL was founded in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, with a vision to create an inclusive platform for gamers to engage in competitive gaming across various genres. The platform started with offering casual and puzzle games but expanded its offerings to include fantasy sports in 2019. Fantasy cricket, football, and basketball became central to MPL’s offerings, with players able to engage in fantasy sports leagues and compete for real money prizes.
The company connects game publishers with users through its mobile app, offering a seamless platform for gamers to discover, play, and earn. MPL quickly grew its portfolio, adding a diverse array of games, such as sports games, casual games, and board games, with a total of 60 games available by 2024.
Key Milestones in MPL’s Journey
- 2018: MPL was founded by Sai Srinivas Kiran and Shubham Malhotra in Bengaluru.
- 2019: The platform expanded into fantasy sports, introducing fantasy cricket, football, and basketball leagues.
- 2021: MPL acquired GamingMonk, an esports community platform, and expanded its reach to the United States. The same year, it became India’s second gaming unicorn with a $2.3 billion valuation following its successful Series E funding round.
- 2022: MPL entered the European market by acquiring GameDuell, a Berlin-based game studio, and exited Indonesia as part of strategic business adjustments.
MPL’s Product Portfolio and Game Categories
MPL offers a variety of games across different genres to cater to the diverse interests of its user base. The platform hosts games in categories such as:
- Fantasy Sports: MPL offers fantasy leagues for popular sports like cricket, football, and basketball. Users can create their own teams and compete against other players for cash prizes based on real-life match performances.
- Sports Games: Sports simulations such as cricket and football are also available, where players can engage in virtual versions of their favorite sports.
- Puzzle and Casual Games: Games like chess, carrom, and various trivia and brain teasers fall under this category, appealing to players who prefer strategy-based or skill-oriented challenges.
- Board Games: Classic board games such as ludo and rummy are also featured, allowing users to engage in traditional gaming experiences with an online twist.
This diversified portfolio makes MPL a one-stop destination for gamers with varied preferences, whether they’re into fast-paced action games or leisurely strategy games.
Cybersecurity and Safety Concerns
With the increasing popularity of online gaming platforms like MPL, the risks associated with cybersecurity have come into focus. In 2024, MPL published a report raising concerns about cybercriminals targeting young gamers for financial gain. This report highlighted how scammers use psychological tricks and fictitious identities, often exploiting the vulnerability of children and teenagers in the gaming community.
The rise of AI-driven scams and the potential for identity theft, unauthorized bank access, and cyberbullying are serious issues. It has become crucial for online gaming platforms to implement robust cybersecurity measures to protect the privacy, safety, and financial security of their users, especially minors.
MPL has committed to ensuring the safety of its user base by adopting cutting-edge security protocols and raising awareness about potential online threats. The platform’s ability to address these concerns will play a significant role in maintaining the trust of its growing user base.
Geographic Expansion and Global Reach
Initially launched in India, MPL quickly expanded beyond its home market. The company first ventured into Indonesia in 2019, tapping into Southeast Asia’s growing mobile gaming market. Although MPL exited Indonesia in 2022 due to strategic business decisions, the company continued its global expansion by entering the United States in 2021. The acquisition of GameDuell in 2022 marked MPL’s entry into the European market, giving it a broader reach across continents.
MPL’s decision to expand internationally was driven by the growing global interest in mobile gaming and the company’s belief in its platform’s ability to cater to diverse gaming preferences. MPL now serves millions of users in India, Europe, and the USA, cementing its place as a significant player on the global stage.
Strategic Partnerships and Sponsorships
MPL has established key partnerships and sponsorship deals that have contributed to its growth and brand recognition. Some of the notable collaborations include:
- Indian Premier League (IPL) Partnerships: In 2019, MPL became a broadcast partner for the IPL, one of the most-watched cricket leagues globally. This partnership helped MPL gain visibility among cricket fans and build its brand in India.
- Brand Ambassador – Virat Kohli: In the same year, MPL signed up cricketer Virat Kohli as a brand ambassador. Kohli’s immense popularity and influence helped MPL connect with a broader audience.
- IPL Team Sponsorships: MPL became a sponsor for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders IPL teams in 2020, further solidifying its association with cricket in India.
- MPL Sports Apparel & Accessories: MPL also ventured into the sports apparel business and became the official kit sponsor for the Indian Men’s, Women’s, and Under-19 Cricket Teams from 2020 to 2022.
- Olympic Sponsorship: In 2021, MPL Sports Foundation became the principal sponsor for the Indian contingent at major international sporting events like the 2020 Summer Olympics, 2022 Asian Games, and 2022 Commonwealth Games, partnering with the Indian Olympic Association.
These partnerships have not only enhanced MPL’s visibility but also aligned its brand with top-tier sporting events, further bolstering its credibility and reputation as a leading online gaming platform.
Funding and Investment
MPL’s success has attracted significant attention from investors and venture capital firms. The company has raised funds through multiple rounds of investment, with notable investors including Sequoia Capital, RTP Global, Go Ventures, and Times Internet. In 2021, MPL raised $150 million in its Series E funding round, achieving a valuation of $2.3 billion, which made it India’s second gaming unicorn.
The company’s strong financial backing has enabled it to continuously innovate and expand its offerings. MPL’s investors believe in the potential of online gaming in India and other emerging markets, making it an attractive investment opportunity.
The Future of MPL and the Online Gaming Industry
The future of MPL looks promising, with its strategic initiatives, international expansions, and diverse gaming portfolio positioning it for continued success. As the online gaming industry grows globally, MPL is well-placed to capitalize on the increasing demand for mobile gaming experiences. With a focus on maintaining a user-friendly platform, addressing cybersecurity concerns, and expanding its reach into new markets, MPL aims to become a dominant force in the global gaming industry.
