ITV

Category: Sports

  • Gods Reign announces groundbreaking partnership with LG Electronics

    Gods Reign announces groundbreaking partnership with LG Electronics

    Mumbai: Gods Reign, a premier esports organization headquartered in Bangalore and renowned for its top-tier teams and influential content creators, has announced a monumental partnership with LG Electronics. As part of this collaboration, LG UltraGear, the industry leader in gaming monitors, will serve as the exclusive display partner for Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 lineup, ushering in a new era of immersive gaming experiences.

    Commenting on the exciting partnership, Gods Reign CEO Rohith KR said, “We are thrilled to partner with LG UltraGear as our display partners for the next year. Gods Reign believes in elevating esports talent across a variety of different games, and with the rise of Counter Strike 2, we entered the game with confidence, and have managed to find a brand that is aligned with our vision to grow esports in India through investment across a variety of games. Furthermore, we have built a popular content creator lineup, which we will be leveraging to bring more eyeballs towards LG UltraGear’s state-of-the-art gaming monitors. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to growing the esports landscape and the fanbase that Gods Reign has built through our performances in esports tournaments.”

    LG UltraGear will be the exclusive display partner for Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 esports lineup, which stands as one of the nation’s most formidable teams. The team has bagged prestigious titles like the $240,000 Skyesports Masters 2023, the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024: SEA Open Qualifier, and the recently concluded Dust2.in Masters #7 alongside victories against international opponents in the Skyesports Souvenir.

    Notably, LG UltraGear will also forge connections with Gods Reign’s esteemed content creators, including Red Parasite, Thor Gaming, HarshdeepSinghYT, AJ Jelly Gaming, Miss Senorita, and Siddha Gaming. With a combined social media reach exceeding 6 million, these influencers represent a direct link between LG UltraGear and the vibrant gaming community, facilitating meaningful engagement and brand resonance.

    LG UltraGear will receive strategic placement in the jersey of Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 lineup. Additionally, the organization will be closely collaborating with the brand for digital and on-ground events, show matches with influences, and social media promotions.

    Gods Reign’s Counter-Strike 2 squad is primed for further success in the upcoming 2024 Skyesports Counter-Strike 2 Roadmap, boasting a staggering $1 million prize pool across six global events.

  • ZEE Entertainment attracts 221 mn viewers for DP World ILT20’s second edition

    ZEE Entertainment attracts 221 mn viewers for DP World ILT20’s second edition

    Mumbai: A staggering 221 million viewers tuned-in on the Zee linear TV channels and ZEE5 to watch the second season of DP World ILT20. The 34-match league, it recorded 46 per cent female viewers underscoring the league’s wide appeal in India and is a testament of its entertainment value for the entire household.

    With Mumbai and Delhi emerged as pivotal markets, the matches garnered a massive response from the mass markets, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh Gujarat and Maharashtra. This again showcased the league’s influence across India’s diverse landscape. Furthermore, Season 2 of DP World ILT20 witnessed a notable increase in viewership from Punjab, resulting in 22 per cent increase in cumulative reach. ZEE’s strategy to introduce Punjabi commentary on its social platforms played a critical role in driving the surge in viewership and time spent.

    As the cricket league’s broadcasting partner, ZEE Entertainment’s deep distribution strategy ensured widespread accessibility in India and across the globe. The matches were broadcasted worldwide through the channel’s extensive network of 10 widely distributed and popular linear TV channels, including &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD, alongside its leading OTT platform ZEE5 and partner networks.

    Transcending geographical boundaries, the DP World ILT20 Season 2 was broadcasted across cricketing nations worldwide – from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Caribbean and in over 100 countries. It has firmly established itself as the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, captivating a broad spectrum of viewers, including women (99 million) and the youth demographic (121 million). Stadiums pulsed with energy as they welcomed crowds in full capacity, with passionate fans travelling from far-and-wide to immerse themselves in the thrilling atmosphere.

    Commenting on the performance of the league this year, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) president – business Rahul Johri said, “DP World ILT20 Season 2 has set a new benchmark for franchise cricket leagues globally. We were successful in providing viewers with an exhilarating experience as they passionately cheered for their favourite teams and players. As we celebrate the success of Season 2, we would like to extend a heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, ECB and all stakeholders for their trust and invaluable support, which has been instrumental in making this season bigger and better. Moving forward, we will continue to push the boundaries and innovate to elevate the viewing experience and entertain cricket enthusiasts around the world.”

    MI Emirates clinched the coveted trophy, triumphing over the Dubai Capitals in a nail-biting finale that drew a packed audience at the Dubai International Stadium. From breathtaking last-over thrillers to sensational captain’s innings, each match was a testament to the teams’ unwavering determination and resilience. The unpredictability of the knockout stages kept fans on the edge of their seats, with the outcome of the eventual champion hanging in balance until the last over.

    ZEE Entertainment’s star-studded commentary panel for the league’s second season was led by cricketing legends such as Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh and Wasim Akram, ably supported by renowned voices like Alan Wilkins and Simon Doull, Together, they skillfully brought every moment of cricket action to life, offering fans an unparalleled cricket experience with captivating insights.

    Interestingly, the buzz surrounding DP World ILT20 Season 2 began even before the season commenced, as ZEE Entertainment rolled out a captivating ad campaign featuring star cricketer David Warner and brand ambassador Harbhajan Singh. This campaign effectively fuelled the anticipation for the league’s second season. Additionally, the mid-season collaboration with the rap group 7 Bantai’Z for a catchy cricket anthem celebrating the league’s global success played a critical role in engaging the audiences further. This fusion of sports and music not only resonated with fans worldwide but also generated massive excitement around the league.

    The franchise-style tournament, comprising six teams and 34 matches, was played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams featured Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global). Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars participated in the Season 2, including David Warner, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

    Source: BARC : 2+; India U+R (including TV+OOH, LIVE+PPL) + digital

  • Team Liquid, Ninjas In Pyjamas, ENCE, and BIG join $350,000 Skyesports Masters 2024 in India

    Team Liquid, Ninjas In Pyjamas, ENCE, and BIG join $350,000 Skyesports Masters 2024 in India

    Mumbai: Skyesports, the premier esports tournament organiser based in India catering to gamers across Asia, has officially announced the initial lineup of invited Counter-Strike 2 teams set to compete in the highly anticipated Skyesports Masters 2024, as the company eyes global expansion. Scheduled to unfold offline in India from 8 to 14 April, this thrilling event promises a week-long spectacle of intense Counter-Strike action, as eight formidable teams lock horns to become the ultimate masters and for a share of the staggering $350,000 prize pool.

    Among the distinguished participants revealed in this first wave of invitations are some of the most renowned names in Counter-Strike esports:

    1   Team Liquid
    2   Ninjas In Pyjamas
    3   ENCE
    4   BIG

    Team Liquid and Ninjas In Pyjamas are two of the most notable names in Counter-Strike esports, with the latter being a Major winning organisation. Furthermore, ENCE is a world-famous team from Poland, headlined by the 4-time Major winning player, Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander. Last but not least, Germany’s BIG will also be competing in the Skyesports Masters with a stellar lineup.

    The four teams will be joined by two more invited teams and the champion of the Europe Qualifiers. Finally, the champion of the India Qualifier will also compete in the Skyesports Masters 2024, providing the home fans with a local team to rally behind. The details for the Europe and India Qualifiers will be revealed at a later date. With the final eight teams, fans are set to be treated with intense Counter-Strike esports action as the world’s best lock horns for the title. Stay tuned to Skyesports’ Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook handles for more information.

    With notable teams participating, a $350,000 prize pool, and a seven-day LAN event, the Skyesports Masters is set to feature nail-biting Counter-Strike esports action for fans. The eight teams will compete in a double-elimination bracket to determine the champion.

    The Skyesports Masters is a part of Skyesports’ 2024 roadmap for Counter-Strike 2, which includes a total prize pool of $1 million across six international tournaments, as Skyesports solidifies its presence in the global esports roadmap for the FPS. The first of these is the Skyesports Grand Slam 2024, set to take place in Pune, India from March 14 to 16 with four teams – one from India, one from Australia, and two invited international teams – locking horns for a chunk of the $50,000 prize pool.

    Besides the Skyesports Grand Slam and the Skyesports Masters, Skyesports will be bringing the Championship 6.0, Skyesports Souvenir Colombo, Skyesports Global Tour in Thailand, and the India vs Pakistan Series in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

    The Skyesports Masters was launched in 2023 with an impressive $240,000 prize pool. In its first year, eight esports organizations competed across a month-long regular season leading into the Playoffs in Bangalore, India for the title. Now, the premium IP is being expanded in 2024 with a bigger prize pool and international teams. 

  • PUMA enlists Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vineeta Singh, and Mary Kom as Women Leaders for WPL Season

    PUMA enlists Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vineeta Singh, and Mary Kom as Women Leaders for WPL Season

    Mumbai: Continuing its mission to develop the sports ecosystem in India, especially women’s sports, global sports brand PUMA has brought together a unique and dynamic lineup of female icons – celebrated actor & entrepreneur  Kareena Kapoor Khan, India’s accomplished businesswoman and cofounder of SUGAR Cosmetics Vineeta Singh, boxing great MC Mary Kom, fashion designer Masaba Gupta and renowned news anchor Faye D’Souza, to join hands and champion the cause of women’s cricket in the country.

    Under this one-of-a-kind association, the selected women leaders as voices of change will be jointly attending a Women’s Premier League (WPL) match in New Delhi on March 10 for a unique Ladies’ Night to support and celebrate our women athletes.

    One of the world’s biggest sports brands, PUMA took to social media on Thursday to announce this association and launch the mammoth campaign with a digital film featuring the five women. Narrated by the iconic leaders, the film conceptualised by PUMA revealed that women’s cricket receives only 1/8th the viewership of men’s cricket (as per official digital viewership data of 2023), reflecting the staggering gender bias in the sports ecosystem. Despite huge potential, women’s cricket in India is yet to achieve the desired numbers when it comes to viewership, as only 18 per cent of the women who watch men’s cricket, watch women’s games.

    In the digital film, the stars pledged to not only come together to watch the WPL match between Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the stadium but also welcome women from all walks of life to join them and enjoy watching the game as a collective over this unique Ladies‘ Night.

    Commenting on the occasion, PUMA India managing director Karthik Balagopalan said, “As the country’s leading sports brand, PUMA has been a long-standing driver of change in shattering gender biases and championing women’s sports. Traditionally, women in the country have not been encouraged to watch and embrace sports as men have. Now that is the need of the hour. We are at the turning point to create an equitable sporting landscape and women need to watch women’s sport in order to drive change.”

    Karthik added, “As we launch this campaign today, it is heartwarming to have India’s leading women such as Kareena Kapoor Khan, Vineeta Singh, MC Mary Kom, Masaba Gupta and Faye D’Souza, use the power of their voice and platforms to address this cause. Cricket is Everyone’s Game and as a brand, we have been advocating it from the time we onboarded Harmanpreet Kaur with an award-winning social experiment. We are confident now that this remarkable collaboration will further the narrative, level the playing field, increase fandom and create inspiration for the future generation of women athletes.”

    PUMA ambassador Kareena Kapoor Khan has been contributing immensely to the world of cinema and is now leveraging her influential voice to make a change in the sports industry.

    Commenting on the occasion, Kareena Kapoor Khan said,“ India has seen some significant performances by our female athletes recently but there is so much more scope for it to be brought out with more glory. While cricket is a religion in our country – the spotlight, the viewership, the fanfare – is markedly lesser in women’s cricket when compared to men’s cricket. Personally, cricket as a sport has always been close to my heart, it runs in our family and now we own a team as well so it’s even more special.”

    Kareena added, “I’m glad that a brand like PUMA has identified this need and come forward with this stand-out campaign to increase the participation of female viewers in women’s cricket. Let’s come together and join PUMA to bring the much-needed change.”

    While WPL fever is beginning to grip the country, PUMA’s attempt to create awareness around the number of female viewers of the game and ignite fandom conversation and mindset change by bringing together women from across industries in a nation-wide movement is a historic move.

    “I am honoured to stand alongside formidable women in supporting PUMA’s groundbreaking #CricketIsEveryonesGame campaign at the Women’s Premier League. Being an entrepreneur, I have faced barriers and I understand the power of breaking them. It’s disheartening to witness the vast viewership gap between men’s and women’s cricket, and we are committed to changing that narrative which goes beyond the boundaries of the sports arena; it’s about empowering women, fostering entrepreneurship, and boosting the sports economy,” commented SUGAR Cosmetics cofounder Vineeta Singh.

    Masaba Gupta, fashion designer, added, “Female athletes serve as powerful role models for girls and young women. Supporting women’s sports fosters a sense of community and inclusion by bringing people together to celebrate athletic achievements, regardless of gender. Through this campaign with PUMA, we aim to revolutionise women’s cricket and I hope to see many women to be a part of this historic movement.“

    The official kit partner of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Delhi Capitals, PUMA actively promotes sporting culture in India and boasts a star-studded lineup of brand ambassadors featuring batting icon Virat Kohli, football star Sunil Chhetri, celebrated boxer MC Mary Kom, and cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Mohammed Shami.

  • Live Content on OTT: Challenges, Opportunities and Triumphs

    Live Content on OTT: Challenges, Opportunities and Triumphs

    Mumbai: Internet and Mobile Association of India’s (IAMAI) 18th India Digital Summit, was held at Jio Convention Centre, BKC on 27 and 28 February. Many dignitaries where present from the digital advertising and martech industry and also many session from various sector took place. One such highlighting session was the fireside chat which dwelled deep into the challenges, opportunities, and triumphs of live content on OTT in India. The chat was moderated by sports broadcaster Mayanti Langer and featured Viacom 18 Media Pvt Ltd CEO (Sports) Anil Jayraj. The event provided a comprehensive understanding of the rapidly evolving OTT landscape in the country and also the exponential growth of sports content especially cricket.

    The session kicked off with an exploration of the challenges plaguing the OTT industry in India. From technological hurdles to content censorship regulations, Jayraj shared about the obstacles hindering the seamless delivery of live content to consumers. Issues such as bandwidth constraints and infrastructure limitations were also addressed, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to ensure uninterrupted streaming experiences for users across diverse demographics.

    Jayraj also shed light on the opportunities awaiting OTT platforms in India. With the growth of digital penetration and the rising popularity of smartphones, the country presents a fertile ground for content creators and distributors. The chat explained the importance of personalised content recommendations, user engagement strategies, and monetisation models tailored to the Indian market.

    Against the backdrop of challenges and opportunities, the session celebrated the triumphs of OTT platforms that have successfully carved a niche in the Indian sports ecosystem. From sports events to music concerts, the power of live streaming in fostering real-time interactions and community building was evident.

    As the session drew to a close, participants were left with a sense of optimism for the future of OTT in India. With advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors reshaping the way content is consumed and distributed, the journey ahead promises both challenges and opportunities for stakeholders across the ecosystem.

  • Chennai Singams sign 16 players for Rs 96.4 lakhs in Indian Street Premier League

    Chennai Singams sign 16 players for Rs 96.4 lakhs in Indian Street Premier League

    Mumbai: Business stalwarts Rajdipkumar Gupta, Sandipkumar Gupta, and actor Suriya Sivakumar, promoters of Chennai Singams bought 16 players, including star player Sumeet Dhekale aka ‘Bahubali’ for the inaugural edition of ISPL. The Chennai-based franchise is among the six teams competing in the street-to-stadium league’s premiere edition from 6 to 15 March 2024 in Mumbai.

    The Chennai Singams team, with a purse of Rs 1 Crore, bought 16 players for a cumulative amount of Rs 96.4 Lakhs, making the team the highest bidder at the auction. Representing Chennai Singams were co-owners, Rajdipkumar Gupta, and the core team consisting of Rahul Pandey, Ashish Jaiswal and Sandeep Jaiswal.  

    Entrepreneur Chennai Singams co-owner  Rajdip Gupta said, “Our team strength is our players. We are elated to have bought some of the best players in the lot. The scouting camp that we hosted was very fruitful. Can’t wait for the Chennai Singams team to take to the field.”

    Chennai Singams co-owner Suriya Sivakumar said, “Witnessing the dedication, skill and talent on display, namely Sumeet Dhekale, Ketan Mhatre, R. Thavith Kumar, Venkatachalapathi Vignesh among others, I am confident that Chennai Singams will cross a milestone in the upcoming inaugural edition of the Indian Street Premier League. Our team is marked by passion, determination, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Experience and raw talent are hard to resist! Chennai Singams is more than just a team; cricket is more than just a game for us. It’s an emotion!  Like all cricket lovers, I also eagerly await the game of our players in the ISPL matches. Sports and sportsmanship are forever inspirations! Let us roar together, Chennai Singams!”

    A team formed with players from different corners of the country, Chennai Singams, bought Sumeet Dhekale for Rs 19 Lakhs who is one of the most expensive players followed by Ketan Mhatre for Rs 16.5, Farman Khan for Rs 10.5 Lakhs, Dilip Binjwa for 9 Lakhs, Sanjay Kanojjiya for Rs 7 Lakhs, Sagar Ali for Rs 4.4 Lakhs, Harish Parmar for Rs 3 Lakhs, Vedant Mayekar for Rs 3 Lakhs, Pankaj Patel for Rs 3 Lakhs, Farhat Ahmad for Rs 3 Lakhs, R. Thavith Kumar for Rs 3 Lakhs, Venkatachalapathi Vignesh for Rs 3 Lakhs, Aniket Sanap for Rs 3 Lakhs, Bablu Patil for Rs 3 Lakhs, Rajdeep Jadeja for Rs 3 Lakhs and Vishwanath Jadhav for Rs 3 Lakhs.

    The strength of Chennai Singams comes together with 6 players from the West zone, and two each from the East, North, South, Central and under 19 categories.

    Zone Wise Break–Up

    East Zone

    .   Sagar Ali – Left Handed– Batsman

    .   Sanjay Kanojjiya – Left Handed – Batsman – Right Arm spinner

    North Zone

    .   Farman Khan – Right-Handed – Bowler – Right Arm Fast

    .   Farhat Ahmad – Right-Handed – Bowler – Right Arm Fast

    South Zone

    .   R. Thavith Kumar – All-rounder– Left-Handed – Left Arm Fast

    .   Venkatachalapathi Vignesh – All-rounder– Right-Handed – Right Arm Medium

    Central Zone

    .   Dilip Binjwa – All-rounder– Left-Handed – Left Arm Medium

    .   Pankaj Patel – Bowler – Right-Handed – Left Arm Fast

    West Zone

     .  Sumeet Dhekale – Batsman – Left Handed

     .  Bablu Patil – All-rounder

     .  Ketan Mhatre – Batsman – Right-Handed – Right Arm Fast

     .  Aniket Sanap – Bowler – Left Handed – Left Arm Spinner

     .  Rajdeep Jadeja – Bowler – Right-Handed – Right-Arm Spinner

     .  Vishwanath Jadhav – All-rounder– Right-Handed – Right Arm Fast

    In the under-19 category, Vedant Mayekar (18-year-old) and Harish Parmar (19-year-old), both from the west zone were added to the Chennai Singams squad.

    .   Vedant Mayekar – Right-Handed – All rounder – Right-Arm Fast

    .   Harish Parmar – Right-Handed – All rounder – Right Arm Fast

    The six teams who are part of ISPL – are Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Srinagar and Chennai. 

    Sr No Zone Player Name Age Playing Roles Batting Handednes Preferred Bowling Style
    1 East Sagar Ali  26 Batsman Left Handed  
    2 Sanjay Kanojjiya 28 Batsman Left Handed Right Arm spinner
    3 North  Farman Khan  29 Bowler Right Hand Right Arm Fast 
    4 Farhat Ahmad  33 Bowler Right Hand Right Arm Fast 
    5 South  R. Thavith Kumar  32 All rounder Left-Handed Left Arm Fast
    6 Venkatachalapathi Vignesh 26 All rounder Right Hand Right Arm Medium 
    7 Central  Dilip Binjwa 40 All rounder  Left-Handed  Left Arm Medium
    8 Pankaj Patel 26 Bowler Right Handed Left Arm Fast
    9 West  Sumeet Dhekale  37 Batsman Left Handed  
    10 Bablu Patil  39 All rounder     
    11 Ketan Mhatre 28 Batsman  Right Handed Right Arm Fast
    12 Aniket Sanap 36 Bowler Left Handed Left Arm Spinner
    13 Rajdeep Jadeja 31 Bowler Right Handed Right Arm Spinner 
    14 Vedant Mayekar 18 All rounder  Right Handed Right Arm Fast
    15 Harish Parmar  19 All rounder  Right Handed Right Arm Fast
    16 Vishwanath jadhav 29 All rounder  Right Handed Right Arm Fast
  • Skyesports and Indonesian Embassy unite for historic event at India Gaming Show 2024

    Skyesports and Indonesian Embassy unite for historic event at India Gaming Show 2024

    Mumbai:  Skyesports, an esports tournament organiser, has announced a collaboration with The Indonesian Embassy of New Delhi for an esports showmatch at the India Gaming Show, as India and Indonesia commemorate the 75 anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2024. The sixth India Gaming Show 2024, an international gaming, animation, and infotainment event is being organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) from 14 to 16 March in Pune, India.

    The esports showmatch at the Skyesports Grand Slam will feature a top team from India and Indonesia competing in the popular PC game, Counter-Strike 2. This event not only celebrates the rich history of diplomatic relations between the two nations but also highlights the growing importance of esports in fostering international connections.

    According to Niko Partners’ Asia Games Market Report, Indonesia boasts over 180 million gamers, while India impressively claims 421 million gamers, predominantly aged between 16 and 64 years old. This vast gaming community presents a unique opportunity for both countries to promote their gaming industries and explore avenues for further collaboration.

    A representative from the Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi said, “We highly appreciate the collaboration between The Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi with Skyesports in the Skyesports Grand Slam, as this is also a great opportunity to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and India by doing people-to-people contact activities. Various activities have been planned, such as an exhibition game between both teams from Indonesia and India, a panel discussion with stakeholders from both countries as speakers, and promoting Indonesia local games through Indonesia Pavillion at the Exhibition that show potentials for the Indian market.”  

    Commenting on the thrilling showmatch between India and Indonesia in the Skyesports Grand Slam, Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “We are thrilled to be hosting the India – Indonesia showmatch at the India Gaming Show 2024 in Pune as a part of our Skyesports Grand Slam IP. As the esports industry continues to soar globally, this collaborative initiative between Skyesports and The Indonesian Embassy in New Delhi not only celebrates the longstanding diplomatic ties between India and Indonesia but also underscores the immense potential of esports as a platform for cultural exchange and international cooperation. This showmatch exemplifies how gaming transcends boundaries, bringing together diverse communities in friendly competition, and signifies a significant milestone in the evolution of esports on the world stage.”

    The India – Indonesia Showmatch will be played as a part of the Skyesports Grand Slam, an international esports tournament in the India Gaming Show 2024. Besides the showmatch, the tournament will witness four elite teams – one from India, one from Australia, and two from Europe – engaging in intense esports action for the title of champions and a share of the impressive $50,000 prize pool. 

  • Celebrity Cricket League Match 1: Mumbai Heroes Vs. Kerala Strikers

    Celebrity Cricket League Match 1: Mumbai Heroes Vs. Kerala Strikers

    Mumbai: The much-anticipated Celebrity Cricket League season 10 kicked off in grand style with Salman Khan stealing the spotlight at the inaugural match between Mumbai Heroes and Kerala Strikers. A galaxy of A-list celebrities, featuring luminaries like Bobby Deol, Sunil Shetty, and Sohail Khan, infused an additional dose of glamour.

    In a conversation with the host of the match, Bhaijaan said “I am glad that CCL continued for so many years. We had no idea that it would turn out like that when we did the first season. Back then the Mumbai team used to take it more as a fun activity but since the beginning south industry has always been more competitive. I think that also motivated the other teams to raise their level and perform better. I see all these boys working so hard, not just Mumbai Heroes but also other teams, and that makes me so proud of the film fraternity.”

    When asked about how much he follows the game at home, Salman commented, “ For us, it is as exciting as IPL. Everyone at my home, especially my dad, watches it very seriously.

  • Star Sports enhances IPL fan experience with “Star Nahi Far” initiative

    Star Sports enhances IPL fan experience with “Star Nahi Far” initiative

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2024, has unveiled its exclusive initiative, ‘Star Nahi Far,’ aimed at bringing fans across the country closer to their IPL heroes in a money can’t buy experience. This fan-first initiative is set to enhance fan engagement and provide them with once in a lifetime opportunity to meet their favorite cricket superstars up close and personal throughout IPL 2024 season.

    The ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, started from Tamil Nadu and Hyderabad, now gains momentum with the upcoming visit of Mumbai Indians and Team India’s ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya in Mumbai on 24 February, 2024. Hardik Pandya’s arrival to the Mumbai Indian squad of IPL 2024 will be heralded by a vibrant city-wide roadshow across Mumbai, where he will interact with fans, share insights into his cricketing world and off-field endeavors while creating lasting memories with his beloved supporters.

    As the excitement for the IPL 2024 season builds, ‘Star Nahi Far’ promises to traverse the nation with activations featuring IPL’s brightest stars and Star Sports ‘Believe’ ambassadors, including Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Shikar Dhawan and more throughout the IPL season. Star Sports wants to give an opportunity to every true fan in the country and is also selecting fans through a contest to bring them close to their cricketing idol with 40 lakh enthusiasts already participated in the quest to meet Hardik Pandya in Mumbai.

     

     

    Commenting on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Star Sports ‘Believe Ambassador’ Rishabh Pant said, “The IPL is not only about cricket; it’s also about the fans who make every match memorable. With Star Sports’ ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, I will get to share the game’s excitement with fans directly. Can’t wait to meet the fans in Delhi during IPL 2024 and make more special memories together!

    Commenting on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Star Sports ‘Believe Ambassador’ KL Rahul said, “The anticipation leading up to the IPL season is palpable, and being able to connect with our Lucknow supporters in person adds an extra layer of excitement. Teaming up with Star Sports for the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, I am eager to hit the streets of Lucknow through the season of IPL, share our love for the game, and create unforgettable memories with fans.”

    The recently concluded events in cities of Tamil Nadu like Salem and Coimbatore along with Hyderabad underscores the broadcaster’s focus to nurture a deep connection between fans and their sporting icons. The resounding success of the inaugural leg witnessed over 10,000 passionate fans gathering to meet cricketing luminaries such as MSK Prasad and Irfan Pathan in Hyderabad, and Vijay Shankar, Sai Kishore, L Balaji, T Natarajan, and Shahrukh Khan in Tamil Nadu.

  • LG UltraGear ties up with Skyesports as title partner for major esports tournaments

    LG UltraGear ties up with Skyesports as title partner for major esports tournaments

    Mumbai: Skyesports, an esports tournament organizer, has announced a partnership with LG UltraGear, the industry-leading gaming monitors. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the Indian esports landscape, showcasing a long-term commitment by LG Electronics (LG) to elevate gaming experiences.

    LG UltraGear will take centre stage as the Title Sponsor for two prestigious tournaments: the Skyesports Champions Series (SCS) featuring the popular mobile game, Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI), and the highly anticipated on-ground Skyesports Grand Slam in Pune, which will showcase international esports action in Counter-Strike 2.

    LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd vice president & director, division leader, business solutions Yoojae Kim said, “We are thrilled to embark on this exclusive partnership with Skyesports, a pioneering force in India’s gaming and esports arena. This collaboration not only underscores LG’s commitment to elevating gaming experiences but also aligns perfectly with our mission to empower gamers with cutting-edge technology. Together with Skyesports, we aim to ignite the passion for gaming across India, fostering a vibrant community and showcasing the prowess of LG UltraGear monitors in the competitive gaming landscape.”

    Commenting on the association, Skyesports founder and CEO Shiva Nandy said, “We are thrilled to partner with LG UltraGear™ as the title sponsors for two of our upcoming major esports IPs, the Skyesports Grand Slam 2024 and the Skyesports Champions Series. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of esports in India and providing gamers with top-notch gaming experiences. As we enter a fully-stacked 2024 esports roadmap by Skyesports, partnerships like these are a testament to the potential of our roadmap which not only extends to Indian gamers but also includes participation from international regions, including Australia and Europe.”

    The Skyesports Grand Slam is set to happen in Pune, India from March 14 to 16 during the 6th India Gaming Show 2024, an international gaming, animation, and infotainment event by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). The tournament will feature four teams – one from India and Australia each, and two from Europe – engaging in intense esports action for the title of champions and a share of the staggering $50,000 prize pool.

    Additionally, LG UltraGear™ will be showcasing its innovative monitors through an interactive booth at the India Gaming Show 2024 allowing attendees to immerse themselves into the world of gaming with cutting-edge displays.

    Besides this, LG UltraGear™ is set to join the Skyesports Champions Series (SCS) as the Title Partner. Last year’s edition of this tournament drew an impressive 131,000 live concurrent viewers, making it among the most-watched BGMI esports tournaments of 2023. With LG’s support, an open-for-all format, and more exciting content, this year’s tournament is set to reach even greater heights.

    The SCS 2024, featuring an impressive Rs 10,00,000 prize pool, will witness its semifinals unfold from Feb. 27 to March 3 as the top 24 squads of the country vie for the 16 slots in the Grand Finals. The SCS Grand Finals is set to happen from March 5 to 10 with the 16 qualified teams battling it out to crown the ultimate champions. As BGMI continues to captivate audiences across the nation, the SCS presents an unparalleled platform for gamers to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.