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Category: Sports

  • BCCI to onboard KPMG for IPL media rights tender

    BCCI to onboard KPMG for IPL media rights tender

    Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) governing council for the Indian Premier League (IPL) has on boarded accounting firm KPMG to advise on the bid process for the IPL Media Rights Tender for the 2023-27 cycle. According to media reports, an official announcement could be made on Monday.

    The IPL governing council is set to hold a crucial meeting to decide the IPL 2022 auction dates and venue, CVC ownership of Ahmedabad franchise, IPL Media Rights Tender.  The Board will also discuss IPL 2022 Plan B amidst a potential third wave of Covid-19, and decide a backup plan for hosting the 15th edition of the IPL.

    The governing council has announced on 28 September that the IPL Media Rights Tender for 2023-27 cycle will be released immediately after the appointment of two new IPL teams which was announced on 25 October.

  • Vivo PKL 8 ropes in Dhani app as strategic timeout partner

    Vivo PKL 8 ropes in Dhani app as strategic timeout partner

    Mumbai: Vivo Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) season 8 has roped in Dhani app as its strategic timeout partner in collaboration with Professional Management Group (PMG) and Madison Media Ace.

    The association will provide Dhani with differentiated visibility during the Live matches of PKL. Strategic timeout is taken twice, at the 10th and 15th minute of the game’s second half. Dhani has further strengthened its on-ground association with Vivo PKL 8 through inventory buys on TV as well as Hotstar.

    The 90-second ‘strategic timeout’ fits in seamlessly with Dhani’s proposition of providing the OneFreedom Card to customers in less than two minutes, said the brand in a statement.

    “Getting to be a part of a homegrown sport that brings the entire country together is truly exciting for us at Dhani,” Dhani CMO Ankit Banga remarked. “Since a majority of our customers also stem from the heartland and other smaller pockets of India, we believe it is a great fit for us. Also, it resonates fantastically with our product proposition of giving our customers a timeout from making full payments by splitting their transaction into three interest-free parts.”

    “Dhani – OneFreedom Card is the first kind of a product and needed a unique way to drive benefits of the product beyond standard inventory buys,” stated Madison Media Ace COO Vandana Ramkrishna. “We leveraged PMG’s expertise to get the STO created for the first time ever on Kabaddi for Dhani to help bring out the brand benefits seamlessly. Kabaddi as a sport, has significant unique viewers and driving visibility through both on-air and on-ground will not only help Dhani garner incremental audiences, but would also drive significant business results.”

    “Both Vivo PKL and Dhani are only growing bigger and better in terms of stature and popularity. We have no doubt that the relationship between these two institutions will go the same way in the weeks and months to come,” said Professional Management Group COO Melroy D’Souza.

  • Ravi Shastri features in Star Sports promo ahead of Ind-SA test series

    Ravi Shastri features in Star Sports promo ahead of Ind-SA test series

    Mumbai: Star Sports has launched a promo featuring Ravi Shastri ahead of the three-match test series between India and South Africa starting on 26 December at 1.30 p.m.

    Titled #FirstKaThirst, the campaign film is created and conceptualised by the in-house team at Star India. It highlights the many firsts that team India has achieved in the Rainbow Nation. The broadcaster is driving the narrative that team India is prepared to go one step further and achieve the best test series result yet in South Africa.

    In 1992, India played its first-ever test match against South Africa in Durban, while under Rahul Dravid, now head coach, the team won its first test in 2006. In the last India tour, the visiting team had secured their first ODI series win in over 25 years since India started touring from 1992 onwards.

    “The Indian Cricket team has had a remarkable run in test cricket, remaining dominant at home and registering wins all over the world,” said Star and Disney India head – sports Sanjog Gupta. “However, a first-ever series win in South Africa has remained elusive. #FirstKaThirst is a call to action for Indian fans, who desire to see this Indian team create history by triumphing in South Africa and is a continuing chapter of our #BelieveinBlue narrative. The series also assumes historic significance as it marks 30 years of Cricket between India and South Africa adding to the sense of occasion for this marquee series.”

    “There couldn’t have been a better time for team India to prove their mettle,” said former Team India coach Ravi Shastri. “Virat has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it. South Africa remains an unconquered bastion. Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing.”

  • Sony Sports launches campaign for Prime Volleyball League

    Sony Sports launches campaign for Prime Volleyball League

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Sports Network has launched the campaign called ‘Prime Volleyball Jahaan, Public Wahaan’ ahead of the upcoming Prime Volleyball League that will begin airing from 5 February 2022. The league will be aired on Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 3 (Hindi) and Sony Ten 4 (Tamil and Telugu).

    The league has roped in Rupay as title sponsor and A23 as ‘powered by’ sponsor. 

    The campaign film is available in four languages – English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu across Sony Sports channels. It is based on the premise that every Indian has either grown up playing or watching volleyball at some stage of their life. Wherever volleyball is played, it attracts and engages an audience across demographics is the core insight that drives the campaign.

    The film is conceptualised by Sony Pictures Sports Network and executed in synergy with the sports marketing firm, Baseline Ventures, who are the co-owners and are exclusively marketing the league.

    “Sony Sports has always endeavoured to bring the best sporting properties to viewers in the country,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer for distribution and head of sports business Rajesh Kaul. “This film truly captures the sentiments of all Indian fans who have played the sport or watched the game in their community at some point in their life.”

    “Volleyball is a growing sport which provides high octane engagement and entertainment,” said Prime Volleyball League chief executive officer Joy Bhattacharya. “Indians have historically been fond of the sport as they have a lot of their childhood memories attached with it. We aim to revitalize the energy of the sport by showcasing the true talent of the country to the audience.”

    The league will feature seven teams – Calicut Heroes, Kochi Blue Spikers, Ahmedabad Defenders, Hyderabad Black Hawks, Chennai Blitz, Bengaluru Torpedoes and the Kolkata Thunderbolts. Ashwal Rai, Karthik A, Deepesh Kumar Sinha and Jerome Vinith are some of the prominent players in the tournament. While the schedule for the tournament is yet to be announced, the league will comprise 24 games.

  • Bundesliga International, Sportradar extend long-term association

    Bundesliga International, Sportradar extend long-term association

    Mumbai: Bundesliga International – a subsidiary of DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga, and Sportradar – the global sports technology company have agreed to a five-year extension of their long-term partnership with a focus on providing fans with greater access to German football’s top leagues. This deal extends a successful relationship that began more than 15 years ago, with a multi-year partnership that included international broadcast and data rights.

    As the official provider of betting and streaming rights for the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 outside the US and DACH regions until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, Sportradar will sublicence the rights for moving images from those competitions to its network of clients, said the statement. The agreement further enables Sportradar to continue to collect and distribute live match data, providing its customers with access to a fast, accurate and reliable feed, it added.

    Over the course of the agreement, Sportradar will provide a range of innovative tools that will enhance the way fans experience and interact with international Bundesliga content. This includes video clips of Bundesliga matches through the Live Video Notification solution, an AI-driven sports video technology that delivers rich media content direct to fans’ mobile phones via an instantaneous push notification.

    “For the best part of two decades, Sportradar has enjoyed a successful partnership with Bundesliga International and the DFL, working closely together to deliver the highest quality products available in market,” said Sportradar chief commericial officer Ed Blonk. “These rights remain an important part of our portfolio and we’re excited to embark on the next phase of the relationship, using our market leading technologies developed specifically for the world of sport to help Bundesliga International develop new and exciting ways to engage fans around the world.”  

    Sportradar has launched Virtual Sports Bundesliga, a AI driven virtual sports gaming solution that integrates real match video highlights from 3,500 Bundesliga archive matches to create an interactive gaming experience for fans. A team of more than 100 Sportradar specialist data operators edited 10 years’ worth of video content into dynamic event clips such as players entering the pitch, scoring goals or stepping up to take a penalty, said the statement. 

     “This is a long-term and trusted partnership, built up over many years and with a shared vision for excellence,” stated  Bundesliga International CEO Robert Klein. “We see this extension with Sportradar as a blend of working with established partners to create innovative opportunities and products.”

  • Star Sports ropes in eight sponsors ahead of PKL Season 8

    Star Sports ropes in eight sponsors ahead of PKL Season 8

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official media rights partner for vivo Pro Kabaddi League, has roped in eight sponsors and many more key advertisers ahead of the commencement of the league.

    The eight on-boarded sponsors include vivo, Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles, A23, Dream11, Mfine, Byju’s, Officer’s Choice, and Parimatch News. New advertisers like Mfine, A23, Parimatch News, Winzo, GSK, and Luminous among others have also partnered with the broadcaster.

    Season 8 of vivo Pro Kabaddi League is all set to begin from 22 December, and for the first time will be played at a single venue, Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center.

    “We are delighted with the response that we have received from brands across categories,” said a Star Sports spokesperson. “The recently launched campaign- ‘Jo Bhidega Woh Badega’ has created a stir of excitement amongst fans and advertisers alike for the return of PKL after two years. The overall reception from advertisers is a testament to the brand value of India’s homegrown sport. We have solidified our position as a broadcaster that provides advertisers with customized creative solutions to drive high engagement and are confident that the interest among advertisers will only continue to grow with each passing year.”

    The new format will feature triple headers) on the first four days in the opening week. Bengaluru Bulls will square off with U Mumba in the opening match. The ‘Southern Derby’ between Tamil Thalaivas and Telugu Titans will be the second match followed by UP Yoddha squaring off with defending champions Bengal Warriors in the final match of the day.

  • Star Sports’ new promo has Telugu fans excited for PKL Season 8

    Star Sports’ new promo has Telugu fans excited for PKL Season 8

    Mumbai: Star Sports Network has unveiled a new promo for the Pro Kabaddi League Season eight capitalising on the excitement and anticipation building among its Telugu fans.

    The league is all set to return on 22 December. Owing to safety protocols, the entire edition of the Vivo PKL Season eight will be held at Bengaluru at a single venue, moving away from its traditional caravan format.

    The latest promo- ‘Raa Chuddam’ speaks to the sports fans in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and celebrates the preparation of the home team ‘Telugu Titans’ for the upcoming season. The film features Telugu movie star Naga Chaitanya, who supports the ‘Titans’ and leads the chorus of support from fans to rally behind their team.

    “I am absolutely delighted that Pro Kabaddi League is returning after two years. As a Kabaddi fan and strong supporter of Telugu Titans, we are ready to back our team as they set foot on the mat. I will be closely following all the matches and hope that the Titans perform exceptionally well and bring the trophy home,” said Naga Chaitanya.

    Telugu Titans will begin their Vivo PKL Season eight campaign against Tamil Thalaivas on 22 December. The team has signed Rohit Kumar, who will also be the captain for the new season. Siddharth Desai will be the team’s vice-captain. The squad also features rising stars Rajnish and Rakesh Gowda among the raiders.

     

     

  • Sony Sports to air best football moments of 2021 starting 11 Dec

    Sony Sports to air best football moments of 2021 starting 11 Dec

    Mumbai: Sony Pictures Sports Network is airing a series of special programming so that viewers may relive the best footballing moments in the year in UEFA Euro 2020, Copa America 2021, and the ongoing UEFA Champions’ League 2021. The special programming will begin on 11 December and will be aired on Sony Ten 2 channels and will be available for streaming on SonyLIV.

    On 11 December, viewers can tune in to watch the programme “Best of Euro 2020: Unforgettable Moments” from Patrick Schick’s iconic goal to the eight-goal thriller between Spain and Croatia, starting at 7 p.m.

    On 12 December, viewers can watch “Best of Copa America 2021: Unforgettable Moments” from Angel Di Maria’s heart gesture after scoring the winning goal for Argentina to absolutely brilliant goals by Luis Diaz against Brazil and Peru, starting at 7 p.m.

    On 19 December, Sony Sports will telecast the UEFA Champions’ League group stage starting at 7 p.m. It will telecast “Kick Off Year in Review 2021” from 24 December to 27 December at 8 p.m.

    Between 25 to 31 December, Sony Sports will air the “March of The Champions – Argentina’s Triumph: Copa America 2021 Special” at 9 p.m. Between 27-31 December, the channel will air “March of The Champions – Italy’s Triumph: Euro 2020 Special” from 9:30 p.m.  

  • Star Sports launches campaign for PKL 8 with MS Dhoni

    Star Sports launches campaign for PKL 8 with MS Dhoni

    Mumbai: Star India, the official broadcaster of Vivo Pro Kabaddi League season 8, has unveiled its campaign #JoBhidegaWohBadhega, starring Indian cricketer MS Dhoni.

    After a two-year hiatus, Vivo Pro Kabaddi League season 8 will start airing from 22 December onwards on Star Sports network and Disney+ Hotstar.

    The ad spot cinematically envisages diverse stories featuring the youth of today, who will not bow down to any sort of pain, pressure or bullying and overcome such staunch challenges with equal aplomb. An injured player braving the pain for his team, a young girl fighting against harassment from a group of boys or junior resisting from being ragged by his seniors at a hostel are some of the stories featured in the brand film.

    Moving away from its previous caravan format, Vivo PKL Season 8 will be held at a single venue in Bengaluru. The tournament will feature Triple Panga (Triple Headers) on the first four days in the opening week. Bengaluru Bulls will square off with U Mumba in the opening match. The highly anticipated ‘Southern Derby’ between Tamil Thalaivas and Telugu Titans will be the second match followed by UP Yoddha squaring off with defending champions Bengal Warriors in the final match of the day.

    “We are thrilled to bring back Vivo Pro Kabaddi League after a two-year hiatus,” said Star and Disney India head – sports Sanjog Gupta. “Kabaddi has a strong following among millions of fans who missed the sport during the pandemic and can now re-engage with #LePanga. The campaign celebrates the indomitable human spirit which has to overcome all kinds of challenges, big and small. We believe Kabaddi exemplifies this very spirit in its gameplay as the raider dares to enter the opposition team’s half of the mat and takes on many defenders to triumph. Winning in life as in Kabaddi needs us to press forward with belief and take challenges head-on. ‘Jo Bhidega Toh Badhega’ stands for this common truth.”

    “The action-packed sport requires quick thinking, situational awareness, swift moves and a daring attitude, which combined with Disney-Star’s unrivalled and innovative coverage makes it a compelling watch,” he added.

  • Mashal Sports announces schedule for PKL season eight

    Mashal Sports announces schedule for PKL season eight

    Mumbai: Mashal Sports has announced the schedule of the first half for Vivo Pro Kabaddi League season eight that will begin from 22 December at 7:30 p.m. The entire season will be conducted at the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Centre without spectators.

    As a special format for PKL season eight, Mashal has scheduled ‘Triple Headers’ on the first four days to ensure that kabaddi fans across the country get to watch each of their favourite teams play in the very initial days of the league.

    PKL season eight will begin with U Mumba facing Bengaluru Bulls in the tournament opener. The league’s ‘Southern Derby’ will then take centre-stage as Telugu Titans lock horns with Tamil Thalaivas in the second match and UP Yoddha square off with the defending champions Bengal Warriors in the last match of the opening day.

    This season will feature ‘Triple Panga’ driven by Triple Headers on all Saturdays through the course of the tournament ensuring that kabaddi aficionados have their fill of ‘Thigh-Five’ entertainment.  The new format will raise the excitement for the season’s weekends and keep fans hooked onto the action, even as the contending teams focus on the first-part schedule to establish a vantage position vis-à-vis their competitors.  The release of the season’s second-part schedule by mid-January is also expected to help PKL Teams assess and rebuild their competition strategies for the second half of the tournament.



    “The Vivo Pro Kabaddi League is known for reinvigorating and popularising India’s own sport of kabaddi, and with the new format, we aim to continue reinventing the sport,” said Mashal Sports chief executive officer and league commissioner Vivo Pro Kabaddi League Anupam Goswami. “Releasing the schedule in two halves will help teams strategize better and keep the fans engaged. The triple headers and ‘Triple Panga’ will provide more fans more opportunities to watch their favourite players and teams in action as they battle it out for the coveted title.”

    Keeping the health and safety of players in mind, Mashal Sports will be undertaking the task of converting the entire venue at Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Centre into a single integrated and secure bio-bubble. With this unique setup, all 12 teams will be staying and playing at the same venue as Mashal Sports is focusing on following and adhering to the safety protocols set by the authorities.