ITV

Category: Sports

  • Sony Sports Network secures PCB and PSL exclusive broadcast rights

    Sony Sports Network secures PCB and PSL exclusive broadcast rights

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network has once again raised the stakes in live cricket broadcasting, securing exclusive television rights for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) home matches and the highly anticipated 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL). With this move, Sony cements its position as the go-to destination for cricket lovers across the Indian subcontinent, offering fans over 1,800 hours of live cricket in 2025.

    This broadcasting deal covers all of Pakistan’s home bilateral series, a tri-nation tournament, and the full 34-match PSL season, making it a significant addition to Sony’s ever-expanding cricket coverage. The television rights are exclusive for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Myanmar, while in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, Sony will broadcast the matches on a non-exclusive basis.

    The agreement kicked off with the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and south Africa. Fans can now look forward to a jam-packed cricket calendar on Sony Sports Network, which will air the following series in 2025:

    . Pakistan Super League (April – May): 34 matches

    .  Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (May): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Afghanistan (August): 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Ireland (September): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. south Africa (October): 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka (November): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    With the addition of PCB’s broadcasting rights, Sony Sports Network continues to bolster its cricket programming, which already includes rights for New Zealand Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This latest deal further solidifies Sony’s dominance in the cricket broadcasting landscape, bringing fans even more live-action and archival content, including classic India vs. Pakistan encounters.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) CRO – distribution and international business & head – sports business, Rajesh Kaul  stated, “Sony Sports Network’s key goals includes delivering the best cricketing action to our viewers.  To that end, we are continuously enhancing our cricket offerings, and 2025 is set to be a landmark year with over 1800 hours of live cricket on Sony Sports Network. Through this deal, we also have access to great archival content that includes Pakistan vs India matches that we will also showcase on our network. The acquisition of the Pakistan Cricket Board rights along with New Zealand Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) positions us as the premier destination for cricket in India.”

    With this strategic acquisition, Sony Sports Network is all set to offer an uninterrupted cricketing experience, making it a must-watch hub for fans in 2025. Whether it’s the thrill of PSL, gripping bilateral series, or nostalgic archival showdowns, Sony is ensuring that cricket lovers never miss a moment of the action.

     

  • TATA WPL on JioStar: A Beacon of Advertising Impact and Innovation

    TATA WPL on JioStar: A Beacon of Advertising Impact and Innovation

    MUMBAI: As the Women’s Premier League (TATA WPL) 2025 enters its third season, the tournament continues to redefine women’s cricket, setting new benchmarks for viewership, engagement, and brand partnerships. In just its second season, WPL became the biggest ever Women’s T20 tournament in terms of viewership, reaching close to 150 million viewers on digital streaming and 110 million on linear TV. The month-long event delivered a platform reach and TVR comparable to shows across other content genres that span over a period of 3-6 months. 

    Starting 14th February on live on the JioStar Network i.e. Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar, Season 3 of TATA WPL offers a dynamic mix of platform scale and innovative advertising solutions, and with a plethora of contextual advertising opportunities in February and March, advertisers can build association surrounding these social events through cricketing stars that have become household names in India. 

    Category-wide Brand Associations with TATA WPL 2025 on JioStar 

    Since inception in 2023, TATA WPL has witnessed a massive influx of brands wanting to be a part of the evolving landscape of cricket in India. Categories like infrastructure, automobiles, FMCG, payments, travel, lifestyle and BFSI have capitalized on the WPL wave across seasons, driving a high share of voice in a non-cluttered advertising environment. 

    How brands alleviated their campaigns through TATA WPL 2025

    . BFSI Brand: A prominent public sector bank partnered with WPL to create large-scale awareness surrounding their latest offerings. achieved a 16% uplift in online ad awareness, a 25% increase in purchase intent and a 20% increase in recommendation.

    . Automotive Brand: A leading automotive brand leveraged WPL on both LTV and CTV to build brand love for the launch of its new EV. The campaign saw a 1.5x uplift in Google search trends and 17% increase in purchase intent through impactful ad placements.

    . Lifestyle Brand: A multinational fashion brand associated with WPL on CTV and mobile with an objective to drive purchase intent for its new collection. The brand’s campaign witnessed an 11% increase in message association and a 7% increase in purchase intent through the WPL association. 

    Tailored advertising solutions for every marketing goal: 

    . TATA WPL on JioStar provides a wide array of advertising formats that cater to different marketing objectives:

    . Contextual In-Match Integrations: Seamlessly weave brand messages into key moments of the game, such as strategic timeouts, player milestones, and game-winning moments.

    . Co-Branded Segments: Align your brand with expert analysis, player interviews, and match highlights to capture viewer attention.

    . Interactive Digital Ad Formats: Drive engagement with innovative formats such as expandable CTAs, mid-roll carousels, and fence ads.

    . Targeted Audience Solutions: Leverage JioStar’s advanced analytics to target specific demographics, ensuring your message reaches the right audience. 

    .Contextual Opportunities for Brand Marketers to lookout for this WPL: 

    TATA WPL Season 3 coincides with International Women’s Day, providing brands with a unique opportunity to celebrate women’s empowerment and achievements. By aligning campaigns with this occasion, advertisers can create authentic narratives that resonate with audiences and drive emotional connections.

    . Highlighting the stories of inspiring women cricketers such as Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Shafali Verma offers brands a compelling way to champion empowerment while fostering deeper consumer engagement.

    . Along with this the TATA WPL 2025 season runs from February 14th to March 21st, a time filled with important cultural and social moments. Brands can leverage this opportunity to align their campaigns with these events to drive their campaigns and narratives.

    . Valentine’s Day (14th February)

    . Holi (8th March)

    . International Women’s Day (8th March)

    Creative ad assets such as branded segments, contextual overlays, and interactive formats offer brands the flexibility to craft compelling narratives that resonate with audiences during these significant occasions. 

    TATA WPL is not just a cricket league; it’s a movement reshaping the landscape of sports in India. By partnering with JioStar, brands can harness the power of this transformative platform to achieve their marketing objectives. 
    This season, make your brand the talk of the town. With tailor-made advertising solutions and contextual opportunities, TATA WPL on JioStar offers a high-impact platform to elevate your brand and connect with millions of passionate viewers.

  • Reliance Industries joins forces with Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

    Reliance Industries joins forces with Oval Invincibles in The Hundred

    MUMBAI: Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), the powerhouse behind Mumbai Indians (MI), has officially added another feather to its cap. Through its subsidiary, Rise Worldwide Ltd, RIL has successfully partnered with the Oval Invincibles, a London-based franchise competing in the England & Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) thrilling 100-ball competition, The Hundred.

    Just days after clinching yet another league title in south Africa, MI is set to bring its winning mentality to English cricket. The partnership unites MI’s winning DNA with the reigning men’s champions of The Hundred in 2023 and 2024 and the women’s champions of 2021 and 2022—making this a true meeting of champions.

    From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the historic Oval, MI continues to build its cricket empire. With successful franchises in India, south Africa, the UAE, and now England, the MI brand is cementing itself as a dominant force in world cricket. The move is not just about expansion—it’s about bringing MI’s aggressive, entertaining, and fearless brand of cricket to an even bigger audience.

    MI’s journey is one of continuous evolution, and The Hundred—with its fast-paced, dynamic gameplay—is the perfect new frontier. The tournament has already captured the imagination of fans worldwide, and with MI’s involvement, it’s set to get even bigger. The #OneFamily philosophy has been at the core of MI’s success, and the inclusion of the Oval Invincibles only strengthens this ethos.

    So, whether it’s Mumbai, Cape Town, Dubai, or London—MI’s blue and gold continues to shine brighter than ever.

  • RR Kabel powers up KKR partnership in a high-voltage comeback

    RR Kabel powers up KKR partnership in a high-voltage comeback

    MUMBAI: Cricket and connections go hand in hand quite literally this season, as RR Kabel recharges its partnership with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) as a principal sponsor. The leading wires, cables, and consumer electricals brand has inked a multi-year deal, returning for a second innings with KKR after its initial collaboration in 2021. With branding set to feature on the right chest of all KKR team kits, RR Kabel aims to spark greater brand recognition, particularly in Eastern India, while riding the wave of cricket’s unmatched popularity.

    For RR Kabel, the partnership isn’t just about visibility, it’s about powering the spirit of resilience, ambition, and excellence, much like the ethos of the three-time IPL champions. RR Global director Kirti Kabra, highlighted the synergy, stating, “Cricket is where passion, energy, and performance come alive values that align perfectly with RR Kabel. KKR embodies resilience and ambition, making them the ideal partner for us. This collaboration isn’t just a sponsorship; it’s about being part of something that excites and unites millions.”

    KKR CEO Venky Mysore welcomed RR Kabel back, saying, “Their continued association reflects the strong synergy between our values and vision. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and creating a lasting impact both on and off the field.”

    As KKR gears up for another thrilling IPL season, RR Kabel’s high-voltage branding push ensures that its presence will be felt beyond the stadium, reaching millions of cricket fans worldwide. With this dynamic partnership, RR Kabel is set to illuminate the cricketing stage, proving once again that the right connections both in sport and industry make all the difference.

  • Anjali Sud and her big free TV bet with Super Bowl LIX

    Anjali Sud and her big free TV bet with Super Bowl LIX

    MUMBAI: Anjali Sud loves going on the offensive and throwing big and wide. Rarely, has she failed to get a touch down during her career no matter how bold her move. The former rather young CEO of Vimeo – who transformed the service into one valued at hundreds of millions of dollars –  and current Tubi CEO, is once again putting herself to the test – she is pressing the pedal on free streaming television.

    Said she on Linkedin: “I believe in the power of video. I have dedicated my next chapter to empowering audiences with free, frictionless entertainment at Tubi. Viewers deserve fewer barriers, more joy and greater diversity in storytelling. As the most watched free TV streaming service in America, Tubi is committed to defining next generation entertainment.”
    ‘
    Come 9 February and Tubi will be walking her talk and, in her words, “even the walk when it will stream the Super Bowl LIX, free in 4K, for US audiences.” 

     

    Anjali SudThe game will be played between American Football Conference (AFC) champion and two-time defending Super Bowl champion, the Kansas City Chiefs, and National Football Conference (NFC) champion, the Philadelphia Eagles.  For traditional TV watchers, the action on the green will be aired on  Fox Sports with over 100 cameras being used for filming, including a new 4K, 240 Hz model from Sony as its high skycam. The lower skycam will employ the use of lidar and simultaneous localisation and mapping (Slam) technology to provide more precise tracking of its position, data which will primarily be used to improve the performance of augmented reality (AR) graphics. The game will be made available with Dolby Vision HDR and Dolby Atmos surround sound on Comcast Xfinity.

    Sud revealed that it will be a series of firsts for Tubi at America’s biggest sporting event: “from the first-ever Tubi Red Carpet featuring the fashion and celebrity surrounding the game (including the ability to shop the trends from your phone!), to wacky Tubi brand spots that cut to the heart of what we stand for, to airing our biggest original ever, The Z-Suite starring Lauren Graham, after the trophy ceremony.”

    She acknowledged that none of this would have been possible “without the boldness, creativity and steady determination of the Tubi team and our excellent partners at FOX Sports. It has been a true effort from all and I couldn’t be more proud to work with people who aren’t afraid to try new things and reach new heights together…especially when it offers a great entertainment experience for millions of Americans.”

    TV spots  are going at $7.5 million to $8 million per 30 second slot. Wow If that is not steep, we wonder what is.

    Could we have Uday Shankar, Sanjog Gupta and gang  take a similar punt with this year’s IPL? 

  • ICC unveils Atif Aslam’s anthem for Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

    ICC unveils Atif Aslam’s anthem for Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

    MUMBAI : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has dropped the official anthem for the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke with Atif Aslam lending his powerful vocals to the track. A fusion of cricketing passion and Pakistani culture, the song sets the tone for the high-stakes tournament kicking off in less than two weeks.

    With just 12 days remaining until the highly anticipated tournament, the song’s release adds to the growing excitement ahead of the 15-match event, set to take place from 19 February to 9 March across Pakistan and the UAE.

    Produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, with lyrics by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad, the track is a vibrant celebration of Pakistan’s rich culture, showcasing its streets, markets, and stadiums. The accompanying music video highlights the nation’s deep-rooted passion for cricket. The song is now available on major streaming platforms worldwide.

    Fans can still secure tickets for the tournament online or through select physical outlets in Pakistan. Tickets for the Final, scheduled for Sunday, 9 March, will be available following the first semi-final in Dubai.

    The competition will feature the world’s top eight teams battling in 15 high-intensity matches over 19 days, with every encounter crucial in the quest for the coveted white jackets.

    Expressing his excitement, Aslam said: “I have always been passionate about cricket and once aspired to be a fast bowler. Understanding the emotions of the game, especially during an India-Pakistan clash, makes this opportunity particularly special for me.”

    ICC chief commercial officer Anurag Dahiya added: “With just days to go, the official song embodies the spirit of the Champions Trophy and Pakistan’s cricketing identity. We encourage fans to secure their tickets and be part of this celebration.”

    Tournament director and PCB chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed hailed the song’s release as another milestone in the build-up to the global event. “Aslam, a powerhouse of Pakistani music, has delivered blockbuster anthems before, and we believe this song will set the stage alight. As excitement builds, we anticipate packed stadiums and an electric atmosphere.”

  • Rohit Dhawan transitions to JioStar India as head of brand solutions (sports)

    Rohit Dhawan transitions to JioStar India as head of brand solutions (sports)

    MUMBAI: Rohit Dhawan, a veteran marketing and media professional with over two decades of experience, has recently taken up the position of head of brand solutions (sports) at JioStarIndia.

    In this role, Dhawan will lead strategic advertising solutions for marquee sporting properties such as the IPL, ICC, and BCCI events. His focus will be on driving innovative brand partnerships at the intersection of sports, media, and technology to enhance engagement across both digital and television platforms.

    Reflecting on his career, Dhawan highlighted his passion for leveraging storytelling to create impactful campaigns. “The last nine years have been particularly fulfilling in building new business models and revenue streams through various forms of content,” he noted.

    Prior to this appointment, Dhawan served as vice president of customer marketing at Viacom18 Sports, where he played a pivotal role in managing customer marketing strategies for major sports events. He also held senior roles at Mindshare, including vice president of content plus, where he managed brand partnerships and solutions marketing.

    Dhawan’s extensive career portfolio includes leadership positions at Hindustan Times Media, ESPN Star Sports, and Mindshare, where he worked on prominent accounts like Pepsi, Pizza Hut, and KFC. His areas of expertise include sports marketing, digital strategy, brand partnerships, and media innovation.

  • Damyant Singh Khanoria resigns as CMO of sports at Viacom18

    Damyant Singh Khanoria resigns as CMO of sports at Viacom18

    Mumbai: He was a high-profile hire in 2024. And now he has quit. Damyant Singh Khanoria has stepped down as chief marketing officer (CMO) of sports at Viacom18, ending his tenure that began in January 2024.

    Khanoria, a seasoned marketing professional, brought over two decades of experience in leading global brands. Prior to his role at Viacom18, he served as CMO of Oppo India for over three years, overseeing the brand’s marketing strategies and campaigns. His career also includes a significant stint at Apple, where he led Marcom operations for nearly four years.

    Earlier, Khanoria held senior roles at adidas for over a decade, including senior marketing director and head of product marketing for sports performance. He also managed brand communications at Mudra Communications, handling key accounts such as McDonald’s.

    Known for his expertise in brand strategy, sports marketing, and product innovation, Khanoria’s departure marks a significant development in Viacom18’s leadership.

    The company is yet to announce his successor.

  • Neeraj Jha named honorary secretary general of ASIP

    Neeraj Jha named honorary secretary general of ASIP

    MUMBAI: The Association for Sports Industry Professionals (ASIP) has a new power player in its ranks. Neeraj Jha, a veteran with over 20 years of experience in the sports industry, has been appointed honorary secretary general, a role that positions him at the forefront of shaping the future of sports business in India.

    Jha’s appointment is no ordinary shuffle in leadership—it’s a strategic move to unify industry stakeholders, foster innovation, and accelerate professional growth in the sector. ASIP expressed full confidence in Jha’s ability to steer the ship toward greater collaboration and impact.

    ASIP founder Shaji Prabhakaran welcomed Jha, reinforcing the organisation’s vision to build a robust platform for sports professionals in India.

    “Neeraj brings a wealth of experience and passion for the industry. His leadership will be crucial in strengthening ASIP’s role as a catalyst for sports business development,” said Prabhakaran.

    Taking on the new role with enthusiasm, Jha shared his excitement about joining ASIP’s mission, “I’m excited to collaborate with ASIP’s dedicated professionals to drive impactful change and build a vibrant community. Thanks to Shaji Prabhakaran for creating this platform—together, we’ll take it to new heights.”

    Jha’s appointment is a big win for ASIP as the organisation intensifies its efforts to professionalise the sports industry, bridge knowledge gaps, and enhance opportunities for industry professionals.

  • Rainmatter fuels Sisters in Sweat’s mission to get women sweating & winning

    Rainmatter fuels Sisters in Sweat’s mission to get women sweating & winning

    MUMBAI: When finance flexes its muscles, fitness wins big! Zerodha-backed Rainmatter has pumped fresh energy into India’s largest women’s sports and wellness community, Sisters in Sweat (SIS) giving it the boost it needs to sprint ahead.

    Founded in 2017 by fitness guru Swetha Subbiah and ex-Tottenham and Fulham Ladies footballer Tanvie Hans, SIS has already rallied over 10,000 women across Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR, proving that breaking a sweat is the best way to break barriers.

    With this investment, SIS is gearing up for a rapid expansion, aiming to take its mission to 10 cities by 2026. The goal? To create safe, inclusive spaces where women can embrace sports, fitness, and wellness without hesitation. And that’s not all—SIS is set to roll out exclusive intellectual properties (IPs), large-scale events, and tailored wellness sessions, ensuring its growing community stays active, engaged, and thriving.

    Zerodha director Seema Patil highlighted the transformative power of sports for women, stating, “Sports and fitness equip women with crucial leadership skills—confidence, teamwork, and empathy. We’ve already partnered with SIS to bring fitness classes to our female employees in Bangalore, and it’s inspiring to see more women prioritising their well-being while fostering a strong community.”

    Hans, reflecting on the journey from a small kickabout to a nationwide movement, shared, “What started with just 15 women playing football has become a full-fledged movement. We are incredibly grateful to Rainmatter and Meraki for believing in our vision and enabling this next phase of growth.”

    The investment also sets the stage for the launch of The Sistra Project, an incubator designed to uplift one million women from marginalised communities over the next three years.

    By leveraging sports and wellness as a tool for empowerment, SIS and Rainmatter are ensuring that women—regardless of background—have the opportunity to build strength, resilience, and self-confidence.