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  • DP World ILT20 season three unveils new signings and retained players

    DP World ILT20 season three unveils new signings and retained players

    Mumbai: The DP World International League T20’s season three, to be broadcasted by Zee Entertainment, promises to be a high-octane cricket experience with the addition of the biggest names to the six franchises. The window to sign new players began in June and concluded on Sunday, 15 September.

    Season three of DP World ILT20 will feature international T20 stars like Jason Roy (Sharjah Warriors), Fakhar Zaman (Desert Vipers), Shai Hope (Dubai Capitals), Lockie Ferguson (Desert Vipers), Roston Chase (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders), Matthew Wade (Sharjah Warriors), Ibrahim Zadran (Gulf Giants) and Romario Shepherd (MI Emirates) making their debut in the tournament. Fans will be treated to exciting action as these cricketers showcase their skills in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

    Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in season three, including Australian powerhouse, David Warner and Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka. They will be joined by West Indian legends like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Rovman Powell, who will bring their dynamic all-round abilities to the tournament. The league will also feature some more talents from the previous seasons, including Sikandar Raza, Chris Jordan, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran. Other key retained players include, Kusal Mendis and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

    Commenting on the announcement, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue – Ashish Sehgal said, “Zee is delighted to unveil the impressive line-up for Season 3, featuring some of the world’s finest players. With iconic locations like Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, world – class infrastructure and six powerhouse franchises, our aim is to build on the success of the last two seasons and solidify the league as one of the most-widely followed global cricket events. As it continues to attract international interest, we are excited to present this thrilling cricketing spectacle to fans across the world.”

    Other season three signings include New Zealand quick Adam Milne, seasoned wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert (New Zealand), Australia left-arm spinner Ashton Agar (Australia squad member – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024), Afghanistan all-rounder Karim Janat (Afghanistan squad member – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, Gulf Giants season two) West Indies all-rounder Keemo Paul, Sri Lanka duo of Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksha (Dubai Capitals Season 1, MI Emirates season two), Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams (rehired for season three), USA left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh and Malaysian all-rounder Virandeep Singh.

    Meanwhile the teams can add more players or replacements to their squads upon clearance from the ILT20 Technical Committee. Teams can also add additional UAE players to their squads via a Draft which will take place after the conclusion of the DP World ILT20 Development Tournament next month. Details of the tournament will be shared in the coming days.

    Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can watch the live action exclusively on ZEE’s 15 linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5 and its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world. Aiming to capture a viewership of 230-million for the upcoming season, ZEE will expand its reach by including South Indian channels, offering a month-long cricket carnival experience.

    Earlier this year, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) reported that the league’s second season reached 221 million viewers. The channel’s extensive distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe.

    The six DP World ILT20 season three squads as of 19 September 2024:

    Abu Dhabi Knight Riders

    New signees: Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, Gudakesh Motie, Hassan Khan, Roston Chase and Terrance Hinds.

    Retentions: Aditya Shetty, Ali Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Andries Ghous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Micheal Pepper and Sunil Narine.

    Desert Vipers

    New signees: Dan Lawrence, David Payne, Fakhar Zaman, Lockie Ferguson and Max Holden

    Retentions: Adam Hose, Alex Hales, Ali Naseer, Azam Khan, Bas de Leede, Luke Wood, Micheal Jones, Muhammad Amir, Nathan Sowter, Sherfane Rutherford, Tanish Suri and Wanindu Hasaranga.

    Dubai Capitals

    New signees: Adam Rossington, Brandon McMullen, Garuka Sanketh, Gulbadin Naib, Jeffery Vandersay, Joe Burns, Joe Weatherly, Najibullah Zadran, Obed McCoy, Scott Kuggeleijin, Sharafuddin Ashraf and  Shai Hope.

    Retentions: Dasun Shanaka, David Warner, Dushmantha Chameera, Haider Ali, Raja Akif, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Zahir Khan, Jake Fraser McGurk and Oliver Stone.

    Gulf Giants

    New signees:  Adam Lyth, Dominic Drakes, Daniel Worrall, Ibrahim Zadran, Mark Adair, Tom Curran, Tymal Mills and Wahidullah Zadran.

    Retentions: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, James Vince, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Zohaib Zubair, Rehan Ahmed, Richard Gleeson and Shimron Hetmyer.

    MI Emirates

    New signees: Alzarri Joseph, Romario Shepherd, Tom Banton, Farid Malik, Thomas Jack Draca, Ben Charlesworth.

    Retentions: Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Waqar Salamkheil.

    Sharjah Warriors

    New signees: Adam Milne, Adil Rashid (played for Warriors in season two as a Wildcard pick), Ashton Agar, Banuka Rajapaksha, Gus Atkinson, Jason Roy, Karim Janat, Keemo Paul, Jason Roy, Matthew Wade and Tim Seifert.

    Retentions: Dilshan Madushanka, Johnson Charles, Junaid Siddique, Muhamad Jawadullah, Kusal Mendis, Luke Wells, Peter Hatzoglou and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

  • First FIH-certified hockey field unveiled in Tripura

    First FIH-certified hockey field unveiled in Tripura

    Mumbai:  In an exciting development, the Agartala Sports Department, in collaboration with Gallant Sports, will unveil a FIH-certified hockey ground in Agartala, marking a significant advancement for the region’s sports infrastructure. This state-of-the-art facility, developed under the Khelo India Scheme, is expected to transform the landscape of hockey in Tripura by offering world-class amenities for athletes to train and compete.

    The project, initiated in December 2023, faced early challenges with uneven ground levels, some areas being more than a foot higher than others. However, Gallant Sports rose to the occasion by meticulously leveling the ground to meet international standards. This upcoming hockey ground will not only be standard-sized but also certified by the Federation of International Hockey (FIH), ensuring it complies with the highest global benchmarks.

    Gallant Sports CEO Nasir Ali commented, “We are thrilled to be part of the Agartala Hockey Project, which has culminated in the creation of a hockey ground meeting international standards, now certified by the FIH. This facility is more than just a venue; it’s a platform designed to inspire and nurture young talent. With world-class infrastructure, we aim to motivate and encourage the next generation of athletes. By enhancing local sports facilities, we’re cultivating a culture of excellence in Indian hockey. Our vision is for this ground to become a premier training hub where passion and potential unite, enabling local talent to shine on the global stage.”

    The hockey ground, designed to meet international standards, will provide aspiring athletes in Tripura with a professional environment where they can prepare for national and international competitions. This development, scheduled for completion soon, aligns with the government’s broader vision to boost sports participation through the Khelo India Scheme, aiming to nurture grassroots talent and create a vibrant sports culture across India.

    The facility will serve as a resource for schools, local sports clubs, and future hockey stars, ensuring long-term benefits for the community and contributing to India’s growth in the sport on the global stage. This hockey ground is set to be a pivotal point for developing young talent who will compete on international platforms.

  • NBA, ACG & BFI launch ACG Jr. NBA program in collaboration with Skechers

    NBA, ACG & BFI launch ACG Jr. NBA program in collaboration with Skechers

    Mumbai: The National Basketball Association (NBA), ACG, and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), the governing body of basketball in the country, has announced the launch of the ACG Jr. NBA program, a nationwide 3v3 tournament for the top U-14 players across India and the largest school-based basketball program in the country. Skechers, the global performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel brand, will serve as the official kit partner of the program and provide high-quality gear for the participants.

    The ACG Jr. NBA program will feature boys’ and girls’ divisions with teams representing schools from across the country and tip off on Tuesday, 24 September with tournaments in Chennai and Mumbai before visiting Aizawl, Delhi, Kolkata and Ludhiana. The top eight boys’ and girls’ teams from each city will then compete in a league phase within each city that will see the top three boys’ and girls’ teams and one all-star team from each of the boys’ and girls’ divisions advance to the league finals early next year. The dates of the remaining city tournaments and league phases, and the dates and location of the league finals, will be announced at a later date. Schools can register to participate by visiting this link.

    In addition to the ACG Jr. NBA program, the collaboration aims to enhance youth basketball development at the local level, expand elite talent identification nationally, and provide new development opportunities for players, coaches and referees at all levels. The collaboration builds on the prior association between the NBA and ACG that included the launch of ACG-NBA Jump, a nationwide basketball talent search program, and marks the first time BFI will serve as an ACG Jr. NBA partner.

    The announcement was made today at a press conference in Mumbai by BFI president Aadhav Arjuna, NBA Asia strategy head and NBA India country head Rajah Chaudhry, ACG CMO Alex Robertson and Skechers South Asia Pvt Ltd CEO Rahul Vira.  

    The Jr. NBA program has reached more than 14 million youth and 15,000 physical education instructors across 35 cities in India since 2013.  The ACG Jr. NBA program is part of the NBA’s broader basketball development initiatives in India that include NBA Basketball School, a network of tuition-based basketball development programs open to male and female players ages 6-18, and Basketball Without Borders Asia, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program that has been held in India twice.  

    NBA Asia strategy head and NBA India country head Rajah Chaudhry, “There is tremendous momentum for basketball and the NBA in India, and our collaboration with ACG, BFI and Skechers will significantly drive participation and improve talent development at the youth level across the country.  Over the past decade, we’ve engaged millions of children through the Jr. NBA program, and we look forward to expanding our development efforts in India alongside our partners and providing more opportunities for boys and girls to play the game and maximize their potential.”

    ACG MD Karan Singh, “Through the ACG Jr. NBA program, we are taking a significant step in empowering the next generation of basketball players in India.  This initiative goes beyond the game – it’s about building character, instilling values, and offering young athletes a platform to grow and shine.  By working with the NBA and BFI, we are committed to creating opportunities for these players to learn from the best and pursue their dreams.  As we launch the largest school-based basketball program in India, we’re excited about the potential we’re unlocking.  This program represents our continued dedication to grassroots development and fostering excellence both on-and-off the court.”

    BFI president Aadhav Arjuna, “Our association with the NBA underlines our joint dedication to nurturing talent and elevating basketball to unprecedented heights nationwide.  The NBA’s efforts to bolster grassroots basketball development in India have been truly commendable.  We’re excited to work closely with the league to inspire and empower generations of basketball enthusiasts, fostering a culture of excellence both on-and-off the court.  Programs like the ACG Jr. NBA will enhance students’ skills and motivation while introducing more children to the game in a fun and interactive environment.  Additionally, it will serve as a hotspot for talent identification and development and help establish a sustainable pipeline of elite-level Indian players.”

    Skechers South Asia Pvt Ltd CEO and country manager Rahul Vira, “As elite professionals like Joel Embiid and Julius Randle compete in Skechers Basketball sneakers in the NBA, we are excited to collaborate with the league to bring our footwear and apparel to the next generation of basketball talent.  We look forward to enhancing the game for the ACG Jr. NBA players through innovative, comfortable, and high-quality gear delivering ‘Comfort That Performs’ on the court.  Together, we aim to create a memorable program that not only inspires but also empowers young athletes to reach their full potential.”

  • Entertainers Cricket League live broadcast on Sony Sports Network

    Entertainers Cricket League live broadcast on Sony Sports Network

    Mumbai: The Entertainers Cricket League (ECL), the first-of-its-kind influencer-driven T10 cricket league, is set to be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network, ensuring fans across the country can experience the electrifying action of cricket and entertainment.  ECL, featuring six franchise teams captained by top social media superstars like Abhishek Malhan (Fukra Insaan), Anurag Dwivedi, Elvish Yadav, Harsh Beniwal, Munawar Faruqui, and Sonu Sharma is a unique convergence of India’s love for cricket and the power of digital content creators.

    The league will be broadcast live starting at 5 PM IST on Sony Sports Ten 3 channels, offering fans comprehensive coverage of all 19 matches, played over 10 days from September 13 to 22, 2024, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, Delhi. The grand finale on September 22 will have an extended pre-match coverage, starting at 7 PM IST.

    Speaking on the partnerships, Entertainers Cricket League founder Anil Kumar said, “The partnership with Sony Sports Network marks a major milestone in ECL’s journey. We aim to bring the best cricket entertainment to our fans, and this collaboration ensures we reach a wider audience. With Sony’s extensive sports broadcasting experience, we’re setting the stage for a cricketing spectacle like never before – and by bringing social media stars onto television, we are blending the excitement of digital influencers with mainstream sports entertainment.’

    With the combined following of over 100 crore fans across all content creators involved, ECL expects to generate significant viewership, surpassing projections from previous entertainment leagues.

    Six teams namely Punjab Veers. Dynamic Delhi, Haryanvi Hunters, Bangalore Bashers, Mumbai Disruptors, and Lucknow Lions will compete in the ten-day inaugural season featuring 19 matches. Fans can watch all the live action unfold live on Sony TEN 3 & Sony TEN 3 HD.

  • Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia Lead ISL’s Search for India’s Next Football Star in ‘Agla Hero Kaun?

    Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia Lead ISL’s Search for India’s Next Football Star in ‘Agla Hero Kaun?

    Mumbai: The Indian Super League (ISL) is poised to enter its 11th edition at a critical juncture for Indian football. In a country where cricket often dominates the sporting landscape, this season brings a unique opportunity to reignite the nation’s love for football. The league’s newest campaign, “Agla Hero Kaun?” spearheaded by Indian football icons Sunil Chhetri and Bhaichung Bhutia, seeks to tap into the deep emotional connection Indian fans have with football while searching for the next generation of stars.

    The 360° integrated marketing strategy features a star-studded lineup in its television commercial (TVC) including cricket legend Ravi Shastri, pace sensation Jaspreet Bumrah, shooter Manu Bhaker, badminton icon PV Sindhu, Indian actor John Abraham and Ranbir Kapoor among other top-notch celebrities.

    The ISL aims to reshape the landscape of Indian football through its dedication to nurturing local talent and building a loyal fanbase.

    This season’s “Agla Hero Kaun?” campaign arrives at a pivotal moment, with the focus on rekindling the passion of football fans across the nation, particularly in regions where the sport has deep cultural roots. Football in India is more than a game—it’s a reflection of community pride, aspirations, and dreams.

    “Winning the creative mandate of ISL 2024 is really exciting for us as Creativeland Asia champions creating campaigns and building brands of the scale of Indian Super League. We are looking forward to collaborating with our marketing partners in making football as famous and watched sport in India as cricket is. It will be an integrated campaign and hopefully, one of the most talked about ones of 2024.”, says Azazul Haque, Group Chief Creative Officer, Creativeland Asia.

    As seen globally, football has the power to unite communities, bridge divides, and foster a sense of belonging. This ISL season brings not only high-stakes matches but also the potential for football to create a lasting legacy in a country where the sport’s popularity has been gradually building.

    Launched in 2014, the ISL has grown to become a cornerstone in India’s sporting calendar, attracting millions of viewers each season.

  • Play Sports kicks off its phase one initiative to transform sports

    Play Sports kicks off its phase one initiative to transform sports

    Mumbai: Play Sports, an extracurricular management and talent curriculum platform has announced its phase one initiative which aims to transform sports development in Rajasthan and ultimately throughout India. Play Sports has appointed renowned personalities as brand ambassadors to further involve and motivate emerging sporting talents. Boxing champion MC Mary Kom, actor and TV host Rannvijay Singha, and tennis legend Sania Mirza are all supporters of the initiative helping to raise awareness and encourage participation.

    Play Sports is transforming India’s sports ecosystem by focusing on infrastructure, talent development, and grassroots engagement, starting with Rajasthan and expanding nationwide. With a goal to prepare India for success in the 2036 Olympics and position it among the top 10 sporting nations, Play Sports aims to build a strong and sustainable framework for future athletes.

    The project’s goal is to ignite the thrill of sporting excellence in India. The platform aims to engage parents, renowned athletes and enthusiastic educators with improved curriculum in a range of sports including athletics, cricket, judo, tennis, karate, football taekwondo, handball, wushu, skating, kabaddi, chess, volleyball, table, tennis, badminton and many more to foster a culture of sports excellence at all levels and increase youth involvement.

    Through strategic partnerships and endorsements from influential sports personalities, Play Sports is not only fostering a culture of excellence but also inspiring a nationwide movement towards sporting greatness.

    Ranvijay Singha on the optimistic potential of the development programme, shared, ” I am confident that Play Sports is not just a game-changer but a catalyst that is setting us on course to become a global superpower in sports. Their comprehensive approach to developing infrastructure, nurturing young talent, and elevating sports standards is exactly what India needs to rise to the top of the global sporting arena.”

    Sania Mirza shared, “With Play Sports, I am deeply committed to fostering grassroots development and creating a robust tennis ecosystem in India. By focusing on young, aspiring athletes and providing them with the right resources and support, Play Sports is laying the foundation for a future where Indian tennis can shine on the world stage”

    Mary Kom shared, “My dream has always been to inspire and create 1,000 champions like myself. With Play Sports, this dream is taking tangible shape. Their dedication to grassroots development and athlete support aligns perfectly with my vision of nurturing future champions and making a lasting impact on the world of sports.”

    Play Sports is not only fostering a culture of excellence but also inspiring a nationwide movement towards sporting greatness. As the initiative continues to expand its reach and impact, it promises to be a driving force in shaping India’s sporting future and realizing its Olympic aspirations.

  • Arm wrestling excitement returns with Pro Panja League Season 2

    Arm wrestling excitement returns with Pro Panja League Season 2

    Mumbai:  Arm-wrestling fans around the world are all set to witness some of the best arm-wrestlers live in action as India’s very own arm-wrestling league, Pro Panja League, returns for the second season from 4 October 2024 to 20 October 2024. The league is continuing its partnership with India’s leading sports broadcaster, Sony Sports Network ensuring extensive live coverage of the tournament on Sony Sports Ten 3 SD and HD channels every day from 7 00 pm onwards.

    As part of the pre-launch buzz, Pro Panja League and Sony Sports Network had launched its campaign featuring superstar John Abraham championing the league and his film, Vedaa.

    This season will feature a total of 180 arm-wrestlers from all parts of the country across 6 teams, competing against each other in the men’s, women’s and specially abled categories for the coveted trophy.

    Pro Panja League, co-founded by Bollywood actors & producers Parvin Dabas and Preeti Jhangiani along with Bollywood Legend Mr Suniel Shetty as partner, previously held two editions of ranking tournaments, multiple mega matches along with several promotional events before the first season in 2023, which turned out to be a huge success with 32 million unique viewers (BARC CS 2 + Live + Non-live). The Pro Panja League has helped catapult the sport of arm wrestling to a wider audience in India.

    Expressing his thoughts ahead of Season 2, Pro Panja League co-owner Mr. Parvin Dabas said, “The first season proved that there is a huge audience for the sport of Panja if presented in the right way and we are grateful for the audience’s love. This season promises to be even more electrifying, with players realising the huge stakes involved and having prepared now on a different level altogether. We are committed to showcasing the best talent to bring Panja as Sports Entertainment to Bharat and are excited to be partnering with the Sony Sports Network again in this endeavour.”

    Talking about the partnership, Mr. Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, said, “We believe in supporting home-grown leagues and are glad to continue our partnership with Pro Panja League as the broadcasters for the second season. We believe that the audience for arm-wrestling as a sport is growing in India and we are excited to be a part of driving up this momentum.”

  • Basketball Federation of India and Skyesports bring eFIBA India Qualifiers to select Team India

    Basketball Federation of India and Skyesports bring eFIBA India Qualifiers to select Team India

    Mumbai: The Basketball Federation of India (BFI), the governing and controlling body for basketball in India, has unveiled the eFIBA India Qualifiers, with Jet Skyesports as the esports partner, to determine Team India for Season 3 of the tournament.

    The eFIBA, played on NBA 2K24, is an esports tournament organized by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), the world governing body for basketball. Over 60 national federations from around the world will be participating in the competition. Through the eFIBA India Qualifiers, a 12-member Team India will be selected to represent the nation at the Regional Finals for Asia/Oceania.

    A victory in the Regional Finals will secure a spot for Team India in the World Finals in December, where they will compete for the ultimate title and a share of the €50,000 prize pool.

    Jet Skyesports has tied up as the esports partner to facilitate the qualifier process, host grassroots-level qualifiers, and help identify the top 12 NBA 2K24 players India has to offer.

    Commenting on the tournament, Jet Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “We are thrilled to partner with the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) as the esports partner for the India Qualifiers in FIBA’s official eFIBA competition. Skyesports was founded with a vision to help aspiring players represent the country internationally, and partnerships like these allow us to stay true to that vision for the gaming community of India. With the recent announcement of the Olympic Esports Games by the IOC, the world is increasingly recognising esports as a legitimate competition on par with traditional sports, and we are proud to contribute to this global movement.”

    Registrations for the eFIBA India Qualifiers will be open until September 5, 2024 (LINK HERE). Registered players will compete in the Prelim Rounds, Playoffs, and Grand Finals to select the best 2K players in the country. The schedule for these events is as follows:

    . Prelim Rounds: September 6 to 8

    .  Playoffs: September 9

    . Grand Finals: September 10

  • Pro Kabaddi League season 11 to commence on 18 October

    Pro Kabaddi League season 11 to commence on 18 October

    Mumbai: Mashal Sports, organisers of Pro Kabaddi League, announced that PKL season 11 will begin on 18 October 2024. After successfully completing ten seasons of the Pro Kabaddi League earlier this year, the world’s biggest kabaddi league will embark into a new phase in October.

    In season 11, the Pro Kabaddi League will return to the three-city caravan format. The 2024 edition will commence at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad on 18 October, before moving to the Noida Indoor Stadium for the second leg from 10 November. The third leg will take place at the Balewadi Badminton Stadium in Pune, from 3 December onwards.

    The dates and venue for the playoffs will be announced at a later date.

    Speaking on the announcement of the dates for PKL season 11, Pro Kabaddi League – league commissioner – Anupam Goswami said, “We are delighted to announce the start date and venues for PKL Season 11. After successfully completing 10 seasons, PKL Season 11 will mark a new milestone in the continued rise of the league. This would strengthen the growth of Kabaddi in India and elsewhere around the world.”

    The Pro Kabaddi League season 11 auction was held in Mumbai from 15-16 August 2024, with eight players going for over Rs 1 crore, a new record in the league’s history.

    Mashal Sports and Disney Star have built PKL into one of the most successful sports leagues in India. Organized and conducted by Mashal under its sanctioned agreement with the Amateur Kabaddi Federation of India (AKFI), the Pro Kabaddi League has transformed the image of India’s indigenous sport of Kabaddi and its athletes nationally as well as across the globe. After witnessing the participation of many of their players in PKL, several Kabaddi-playing nations have strengthened their domestic Kabaddi programs as well.

    The Pro Kabaddi League season 11 will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.
     

  • Indian Women’s T20 cricket viewership soars as major events captivate the nation

    Indian Women’s T20 cricket viewership soars as major events captivate the nation

    Mumbai: Women’s T20 cricket in India is witnessing an extraordinary surge in popularity, with Disney Star, the official broadcaster of ICC and ACC women’s cricket events, recording a remarkable increase in viewership numbers. According to BARC, the recently concluded Women’s Asia Cup 2024 garnered an impressive 52 million viewers, marking a 126 per cent increase in reach compared to the 2022 edition.

    The surge in viewership was further highlighted by extraordinary total watch times. The Women’s Asia Cup 2024 recorded a staggering 3.95 billion minutes of watch time, a 206 per cent rise from the 2022 edition, while the 2023 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup amassed an unprecedented 6.7 billion minutes, a 18 per cent increase since the 2020 edition. These figures set a new standard for how women’s cricket is consumed in India, and nation’s growing passion and excitement for women’s cricket.

    Speaking on growth of viewership in women’s cricket, a Star Sports spokesperson said, “Women’s cricket has witnessed a tremendous surge in viewership and interest over the past few years, and these latest results are a testament to our relentless efforts in capturing and amplifying the audiences’ passion for the game. Star Sports has been an integral part of this journey from the very beginning, ensuring that our Women in Blue receive the spotlight they deserve. Through our extensive coverage of marquee tournaments and the remarkable engagement on our digital platforms, we have created a platform for our talented women cricketers to truly shine. The future of women’s cricket in India has never looked brighter, and we are excited to continue championing this incredible journey.”

    This growth is a continuation of Disney Star’s long-standing commitment to popularising women’s cricket in India. Beginning with the live broadcast of the Women’s World Cup in 2013, Disney Star has consistently led efforts to draw attention to and create deeper connections with the women’s game. Through innovative production and programming initiatives, award-winning marketing campaigns, and dynamic digital activations, the network has made women’s cricket a household sport across India.

    Viewers and fans can be guaranteed the same intensity with the upcoming broadcast of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup from 3 October 2024. The broadcaster will showcase the marquee tournament in multi-language feeds of Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada for India matches, making the tournament more accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.

    Harmanpreet Kaur and Co are grouped with Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. India will get their campaign underway on 4 October against New Zealand from 7:30 pm IST. The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan match is scheduled for 6 October 2024 from 3:30 pm IST. Each team will play four group-stage matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals on 17 and 18 October leading up to the final on 20 October.