ITV

Category: Sports

  • Japanese watchmaker Seiko partners with RCB for T20 cricket season 2025

    Japanese watchmaker Seiko partners with RCB for T20 cricket season 2025

    MUMBAI: Cricket matches and watches—both share an obsession with perfect timing. Seiko, the Japanese maestro with 140 years of ticking expertise, knows this game all too well. Partnering with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the 2025 T20 cricket season, Seiko proves once again that it doesn’t just watch the clock—it masters it. This isn’t merely a brand deal; it’s cricketing elegance meeting horological precision, a classic pairing like a Virat Kohli cover drive—beautiful, timeless, and precise.

    Announced on 20 March in Bengaluru, Seiko’s alliance with RCB brings together over 200 years of combined heritage in sports and craftsmanship. With RCB’s fiery gameplay and Seiko’s meticulous craftsmanship, this collaboration promises to redefine ‘match timing’—literally.

    Speaking about the partnership, Seiko India president & COO Niladri Mazumder stated, “Seiko has a longstanding legacy in sports, built on precision, innovation, and performance—qualities that mirror the ethos of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Our partnership with them is a natural extension of our commitment to excellence, and we are proud to be associated with a team that exemplifies resilience and performance. This collaboration allows us to engage with cricket enthusiasts in a meaningful way, reinforcing Seiko’s presence in the world of sports.”

    Echoing the sentiment, Royal Challengers Bengaluru COO Rajesh V Menon said, “RCB is renowned for pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable experiences for our fans. We are thrilled to partner with Seiko to mark the celebration of cricket, forever etched in time.”

    With co-branded campaigns and exclusive fan experiences planned, Seiko aims to capture every nail-biting, cheer-inducing second of the T20 season 2025. Fans can look forward to a season where precision isn’t just expected—it’s guaranteed. Miss a moment? Not with Seiko around. After all, every second counts when you’re chasing victory on the pitch or checking if it’s finally lunch break yet.

  • Homesure Tileex partners with Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025

    Homesure Tileex partners with Lucknow Super Giants for IPL 2025

    MUMBAI: Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd., a prominent name in the building and construction materials sector, has announced a partnership with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for IPL season 18. Through this collaboration, its Homesure Tileex brand becomes the official tile adhesive partner for the franchise, reinforcing its growing presence in the market.

    With Uttar Pradesh being a key market for Homesure, partnering with LSG one of the tournament’s most consistent teams in recent years was a natural fit. The association also benefits from the team’s strong lineup, featuring star players such as Rishabh Pant, Ravi Bishnoi, Avesh Khan, Nicholas Pooran, David Miller, and Mitch Marsh.

    Commenting on the partnership, Walplast’s managing director, Kaushal Mehta, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Lucknow Super Giants, a team known for its determination and competitive spirit. Cricket is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, and this association enables us to connect with millions of fans while reinforcing our commitment to high-quality construction solutions. Just as a solid foundation is key to a successful team, superior materials are essential for durable structures.”

    Walplast senior vice president & marketing, CSR & business head, P2P division Aniruddha Sinha, added, “IPL provides an unparalleled platform to engage with our audience. Partnering with LSG enhances Homesure Tileex’s visibility and strengthens our connection with customers who trust our products in their everyday projects. Through this collaboration, we aim to integrate our brand seamlessly into the cricketing experience, reaching homeowners, builders, and industry professionals alike.”

    Lucknow Super Giants chief operating officer Vinay Chopra said,“We are pleased to welcome Homesure Tileex as our official partner for IPL 2025. Their strong market presence and expertise make them a valuable addition to our growing network of partners, and we look forward to a successful association.”

    As part of the partnership, Homesure Tileex will engage fans through various brand activities throughout the IPL season, further strengthening its connection with cricket enthusiasts and industry professionals.

  • National women’s hockey league final round tees off with Coca-Cola India

    National women’s hockey league final round tees off with Coca-Cola India

    MUMBAI: The final showdown of India’s premier women’s hockey competition kicked off yesterday in Ranchi, as eight elite teams clash in a battle for national supremacy. The National Women’s Hockey League 2024-25, now in its climactic phase, runs until 28 March with backing from soft-drink behemoth Coca-Cola India and its charitable arm Anandana.

    Following a rollicking first phase last spring, the tournament continues to serve as both talent showcase and potential national team audition. The cream of Indian hockey—drawn from Hockey Haryana, Hockey Maharashtra, Hockey Jharkhand, Hockey Madhya Pradesh, Hockey Bengal, Hockey Mizoram, Manipur Hockey, and Hockey Association of Odisha—are slugging it out on the turf after qualifying through the 14th Senior Women National Championship.

    For Coca-Cola, the league forms part of its #SheTheDifference campaign, which aims to boost women’s participation in sports. The partnership delivers more than just fizzy drinks, providing specialized coaching, training kit, nutritional advice and tournament organization.

    “We are thrilled to host the final phase of the National Women’s Hockey League,” said Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, barely containing his excitement. “This partnership is instrumental in elevating women’s hockey in India, providing young athletes with the resources and opportunities needed to excel.”

    Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh, , struck a similar tone, praising the “steadfast commitment” from Coca-Cola that has “created a strong foundation for female athletes.”

    The initiative represents more than mere corporate box-ticking for the beverage giant. “The National Women’s Hockey League is not just a tournament—it’s a platform that nurtures the next generation of women athletes,” explained Coca-Cola India Foundation  director Rajiv Gupta, waxing lyrical about the power of sport.

    Through their #SheTheDifference campaign—a name that would make even the most hardened marketing executive wince—Coca-Cola aims to inspire “more young women to break barriers and pursue their passion in sports.”

    Whether this corporate largesse helps India’s women hockey players match the gold-medal-winning exploits of their cinematic counterparts in “Chak De! India” remains to be seen. For now, all eyes are on Ranchi, where sticks are swinging, balls are flying, and dreams of national glory hang in the balance.

  • India masters bowl over West Indies, legends hit IML 2025 for six!

    India masters bowl over West Indies, legends hit IML 2025 for six!

    MUMBAI: What happens when cricket legends dust off their gear and return to the pitch? Magic, nostalgia, and a fair few aching knees! Picture this: 50,000 roaring fans, Sachin Tendulkar leading like it’s the ’90s, and Ambati Rayudu smashing balls like they’re mosquitoes at sunset. Sounds epic, doesn’t it?

    On March 18, India Masters proved age is just a number (unless you’re counting runs) as they clinched a spectacular six-wicket victory against West Indies Masters in the International Masters League (IML) 2025 final at Raipur’s Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. Rayudu dazzled with a sizzling 74 off 50 balls, while Stuart Binny calmly finished things off, sending the ball to the boundary as casually as ordering a chai.

    BNW Developments, the tournament’s proud title sponsor, cheered from the stands, thrilled at watching their logo flashing on Sachin’s iconic jersey. BNW’s MD & co-founder Vivek Anand Oberoi was ecstatic, “The India Masters team has been exceptional in the International Masters League, and we at BNW are so proud to be their title sponsor. Both my younger brother and partner, Ankur Aggarwal, and I worship the God of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar. To have the God of cricket wear our company logo on his jersey while clinching this title is an incredibly special moment. This has been a great month, as India wins two titles, The Champions Trophy and The International Master’s League. This is such a great moment for BNW, and it was amazing to see our brand all around the stadium and on television.”

    Echoing these sentiments, BNW’s chairman & founder Ankur Aggarwal added, “Watching legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh command the field with such finesse and composure was nothing short of extraordinary. Their mastery, resilience, and sheer love for the game turned the final into a spectacle of cricketing brilliance. The India Masters delivered a performance that was both strategic and spirited, a testament to the depth of talent our country continues to produce. As proud supporters of this incredible journey, we celebrate not just their victory, but the ethos that drives them—one of perseverance, calculated precision, and an unyielding commitment to greatness. It is this very philosophy that fuels us at BNW Developments. Whether on the pitch or in the world of real estate, true excellence is achieved through vision, discipline, and an insatiable hunger to push the limits of what’s possible.”

    Post-match festivities featured cricket royalty rubbing shoulders, with Oberoi spotted chatting with legends Sunil Gavaskar, Yuvraj Singh, and the Pathan brothers. Clearly, cricket and business share the same rulebook—play smart, strategise smarter, and always know where the boundary lies.

    As the final match wrapped up, fans went home buzzing, having witnessed their favourite cricketers roll back the years. The IML 2025 was not just a tournament; it was cricket’s own blockbuster, showcasing the enduring charm and unbeatable passion of India’s cricketing heroes.

    Now, who says legends retire? They just return with bigger hits and better stories!

     

  • Confirmtkt jumps aboard RCB’s train again, ready to bowl over cricket fans

    Confirmtkt jumps aboard RCB’s train again, ready to bowl over cricket fans

    MUMBAI: Ever had that sinking feeling of missing your train and the first ball of a crucial T20 match? Fret not! Confirmtkt has decided to play superhero again, renewing its partnership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to ensure cricket fans catch every delivery—whether it’s on the pitch or at the platform. Talk about keeping fans on the right track!

    Announced on 18 March 2025, Confirmtkt proudly continues its innings as RCB’s official Train Ticketing Partner. Fans will now spot the Confirmtkt logo prominently flaunted on the sleeves of RCB’s official and training jerseys. Now, that’s one heck of a sleeve statement!

    In this electrifying partnership, Confirmtkt rolls out an expansive 360-degree marketing campaign spanning television, outdoor, and digital platforms. Even better? Star players Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Krunal Pandya feature in these campaigns, making sure Confirmtkt and RCB remain a fan-favourite duo.

    But wait, there’s more! Confirmtkt’s fan-loved, interactive in-app game, Ticket to Cricket, returns with even more excitement this year. The game, combined with social media contests, gives die-hard RCB fans a chance to win coveted match tickets, signed merchandise, and travel vouchers. Fancy a trip, anyone?

    Expressing excitement, Ixigo Trains & Confirmtkt CEO Dinesh Kumar Kotha said, “We look forward to another exciting season with RCB as we continue to simplify travel for cricket fans. This collaboration goes beyond just the game – it’s about bringing the excitement of cricket into every journey. Whether fans are traveling to catch a live match or celebrating victories on the go, we want to be a part of their experience, ensuring they stay connected to the action both on and off the field.”

    RCB’s COO Rajesh Menon added, “We’re thrilled to renew our partnership with Confirmtkt. This collaboration will bring the excitement of cricket to every journey, ensuring our fans stay connected to the action and their favourite team.”

    As the T20 league storms into its 18 season—having pulled a massive viewership of over 54.6 crore last season—Confirmtkt gears up to keep the cricket fever sizzling long after the final match.

    So, cricket buffs, are you ready to board the Confirmtkt express? This cricketing season, miss nothing—especially not your train.

     

  • Indian tech-caster SportVot goes Down Under

    Indian tech-caster SportVot goes Down Under

    MUMBAI: SportVot, the cloud-powered production outfit that has quietly revolutionised how the world watches second-tier sports, is making a play for Australia’s local leagues and community competitions. After sizing up the market down under, the Indian tech firm has appointed Tim Anderson to captain its Australian innings as managing director.

    With over 300,000 matches already under its belt across 30 sports in more than 20 countries, SportVot’s proposition is deceptively straightforward: professional-quality broadcasts without the eye-watering price tag that typically keeps smaller competitions in the shadows.
    Tim Andersen“Australian sport is deeply rooted in community engagement,” says Anderson, fresh in the hot seat at SportVot Australia. “We’re here to ensure every sport, every tournament and every athlete gets the attention they deserve.”

    The firm’s toolkit extends beyond mere live streaming. Its platform churns out quick-fire clips and highlights packages—social media catnip that sports administrators increasingly see as crucial for fan engagement and commercial pull.

    SportVot  co-founder & CEO Siddhant Agarwal is bullish about the Australian market: “Australia is one of the most passionate sporting nations in the world,” he notes, playing a straight bat. “Our technology is built for scale, and we are excited to see it empower Australian sports like never before.”

    The move follows months of quiet courtship with national and state sporting bodies across Australia. For community leagues accustomed to shaky smartphone footage or no coverage at all, SportVot’s arrival could mean the difference between playing to empty stands and building genuine digital followings.

    Whether Australia’s sporting landscape is ready for this democratisation remains to be seen. But with SportVot now padded up and taking guard, the country’s grassroots competitions may soon find themselves enjoying exposure previously reserved for the big leagues.

  • Navi UPI becomes official UPI partner of RCB for T20 2025

    Navi UPI becomes official UPI partner of RCB for T20 2025

    MUMBAI: Navi UPI has been announced as the official UPI partner of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the T20 2025 season. This collaboration grants Navi UPI users a 24-hour exclusive early access window to book tickets for RCB’s home matches before general sales open.

    RCB, enters the 2025 season with a restructured squad led by Rajat Patidar. With players including Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the team is set to make an impact in the highly anticipated 18 edition of the tournament, which will see 10 teams competing across 74 matches from 22 March to 25 May in 13 cities across India.

    Navi Technologies CEO Rajiv Naresh said, “Navi UPI is growing rapidly, and teaming up with RCB was a natural choice given the immense passion for cricket. This partnership allows us to bring fans closer to the game while delivering a seamless digital payment experience.”

    As part of the tie-up, Navi UPI users will receive early access to RCB home match tickets,

    – For the first four matches, early booking opens at 11 am on 18 March, while general sales begin at 11 am on 19 March.

    – For the remaining three matches, early access will be available later in the season, again giving Navi UPI users a 24-hour priority window.

    A dedicated banner on the Navi app will provide direct access to these exclusive tickets. Fans can book by downloading the Navi app, selecting the RCB ticket booking option, choosing their preferred match and ticket category, and completing payment via Navi UPI.

    RCB chief operating officer Rajesh Menon said, “We are excited to collaborate with Navi as our official UPI partner. This aligns perfectly with our vision to enhance fan engagement through seamless and innovative experiences.” 

  • Relevent scores big: agency nets lucrative UEFA club competitions deal worth billions

    Relevent scores big: agency nets lucrative UEFA club competitions deal worth billions

    MUMBAI: In a stunning transfer move, UC3 has announced that American agency Relevent has won the prized global marketing and sales rights for UEFA men’s club competitions from 2027 to 2033.

    The six-year partnership, which followed what sources describe as a fierce bidding war, will see Relevent take the reins from long-standing partner Team Marketing, ending a three-decade relationship that has transformed European club football into a commercial juggernaut.

    Relevent, a part of billionaire Stephen Ross’s commercial empire, sweet-talked its way to victory after entering an exclusive negotiation period with UC3 in February. The agency, which already handles UEFA’s media rights in the US, will now build a dedicated company focused solely on squeezing every last euro from the Champions League and its less glamorous siblings.

    UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA), went weak at the knees over what it described as Relevent’s “innovative, dynamic and forward-looking vision” for the competitions.

    “We believe that this deal will help us remain at the vanguard of an ever evolving and changing landscape,” gushed UC3 co-managing director Guy-Laurent Epstein, carefully avoiding any mention of the eye-watering sums surely involved in the arrangement.

    The deal encompasses the marketing and sale of commercial rights for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Youth League, and UEFA Futsal Champions League.

    Relevent will handle media rights, sponsorship, licensing, account management, and “associated services”—corporate speak for the myriad ways in which modern football extracts cash from fans and brands alike.

    UC3 co-managing director Charlie Marshall spoke of “driving a step change” and “taking us to the next level,” suggesting the new partnership aims to squeeze even more revenue from competitions that already generate billions each season.

    The switch marks a brutal end to Team Marketing’s 30-year relationship with UEFA’s club competitions. The Swiss-based agency, which helped transform the European Cup into the commercial behemoth now known as the Champions League, will continue managing the current 2024-27 cycle before being unceremoniously substituted.

    In the corporate equivalent of a perfunctory pat on the back after a crushing defeat, UC3 offered its “thanks to Team Marketing for the strong partnership over the past three decades,” before swiftly moving on to praise its new American suitor.

    The agency switch comes on the heels of UEFA’s controversial new competition format, which replaced the traditional group stage with a “league phase” featuring more matches—a change that critics suggest was driven primarily by commercial rather than sporting considerations.

    Relevent chief executive & co-founder Danny Sillman described the UEFA competitions as “some of the most iconic and historic properties in global sports,” promising to “deliver on the potential for growth with fans and commercial partners around the world”—a statement that will likely send shivers down the spines of match-going supporters already priced out of the modern game.

    Industry insiders suggest the bidding process was fiercely competitive, with several global agencies vying for what remains football’s most lucrative commercial property. The sales process for the 2027 to 2033 cycles is expected to kick off by summer 2025, giving Relevent ample time to prepare its pitch to broadcasters and sponsors.

    While financial details of the arrangement remain under wraps, the deal undoubtedly represents one of the most valuable commercial partnerships in global sport, with billions potentially at stake over the six-year term.

  • Sponsorships yielding better results during IPL – CrispInsight’s eDART-IPL24 study

    Sponsorships yielding better results during IPL – CrispInsight’s eDART-IPL24 study

    MUMBAI: A new research report has revealed that throwing cash at just traditional TV spots during the IPL might not be the most effective way to go if an advertiser wants to hop onto this high impact property.

    The eye-opening study from CrispInsight’s eDART-IPL24, in partnership with Kadence International, suggests brands would be better off plumping for sponsorships and stadium branding rather than just splurging on conventional commercials  alone without any connect with what’s going on in the game or or in the studio.

    “Sponsorships and strategic brand placements are proving to be just as powerful, if not more, than traditional advertising in high-impact events like IPL,” declared CrispInsight founder Ritesh Ghosal, who’s clearly not one to mince words.

    Despite over 100 brands scrapping for eyeballs during last year’s tournament, only a handful – Jio, Tata Group, Slice, BKT, and Paytm – aced it with top-of-mind recall. The kicker? None relied on just traditional telly commercials to make their mark.

    The report exposed a gaping disconnect between GRP (gross rating points) spend and actual brand recall. While Dream11 led the pack with a 37.7 per cent recall from 1,730 GRPs, some big spenders found themselves caught behind – gutka brand Vimal splashed out on 3,016 GRPs but limped home with a measly 2.4 per cent recall.

    “IPL is one of the most competitive advertising platforms,” noted Aman Makkar of Kadence International. “Standing out requires more than just high ad spends.”

    With IPL ad rates now requiring the GDP of a small nation, savvy marketers are discovering that non-FCT strategies – team sponsorships, on-screen placements, and stadium branding – keep brands in the spotlight long after the commercials fade to black.

    As the 2025 season looms large, the message is crystal clear: it’s not about how much money you throw at the IPL – it’s about where you pitch it.

  • JioHotstar shatters streaming records with ICC Champions Trophy 2025

    JioHotstar shatters streaming records with ICC Champions Trophy 2025

    MUMBAI: The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 tournament  wasn’t just battle for the top honours—it was a digital juggernaut. With a staggering 540+ crore total views and a cumulative watch time nearing 11,000 crore minutes, JioHotstar cemented its status as India’s go-to streaming platform for high-octane sports action.

    India’s historic victory over New Zealand in the final drove an eye-watering 124.2 crore views, while peak concurrency hit an all-time high of 6.12 crores. If digital cricket fever wasn’t real before, it certainly is now.

    JioHotstar didn’t just stream a tournament—it revolutionised the viewing experience. For the first time, an ICC event was streamed live across 16 feeds in nine languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Haryanvi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada.

    Innovations like four multi-cam feeds, an Indian sign language stream, audio descriptive commentary, and the intuitive Maxview vertical feed ensured accessibility like never before. Whether on a big screen or a mobile device, fans experienced cricket like never before—anytime, anywhere.

    JioHotstar’s massive reach didn’t stop at just views. The India vs Australia match drove the platform’s highest-ever single-day new subscriptions, proving that more people than ever are ditching cable and going digital for their sports fix. With over 80 per cent penetration in wifi-enabled CTV households and Hindi-speaking regions leading the charge, JioHotstar’s influence is undeniable.

    JioStar CEO – digital Kiran Mani highlighted this milestone, stating, “The overwhelming response to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 marks a leap toward the billion-screen opportunity, where seamless access and immersive engagement are now the expectation, not the exception. This moment is a testament to our commitment to making high-quality experiences accessible to all and transforming digital consumption in India.”

    JioStar CEO – sports Sanjog Gupta echoed this sentiment, “The Indian team’s campaign in the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 was more than just a victory—it was a demonstration of Cricket’s influence on the collective consciousness and culture of the country. With peak concurrency of 6.12 crores for the final, JioHotstar became the digital heartbeat of this celebration, amplifying the power of shared experiences.”

    The sports streamer’s  record-breaking tournament success was powered by a stellar lineup of sponsors, including Dream11, Pernod Ricard India, Beam Suntory, Kohler, Birla Opus, Vodafone Idea, ICICI Direct, LIC Housing Finance Limited, Eicher Motors, and Indira IVF. With brands eager to ride the digital sports wave, JioHotstar is proving to be an unmissable advertising platform.

    JioHotstar’s record-smashing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 viewership underscores its vision of unlocking Infinite Possibilities. From casual fans to die-hard cricket enthusiasts, the platform has united India through seamless, category-defining sports experiences on an unprecedented scale.

    And if this is just the beginning, imagine what’s coming next.