Category: Sports

  • NBA, WNBA, and Dream11 announce a multiyear extension to elevate fantasy basketball gaming in India

    NBA, WNBA, and Dream11 announce a multiyear extension to elevate fantasy basketball gaming in India

    Mumbai: The National Basketball Association (NBA), Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and Dream11, the fantasy sports platform, today announced a multiyear extension of their existing collaboration that will see Dream11 continue as the official fantasy gaming partner of the NBA and WNBA in the country.  The renewal builds on Dream11 and the NBA’s relationship that began in the 2017-18 season with the launch of the league’s first official fantasy game in India.

    Through the extension, fans in India can compete daily in a variety of public and private NBA and WNBA-themed fantasy games.  Simulating the role of a general manager, fans can construct a virtual team of NBA or WNBA players and accumulate points based on the players’ real-life on-court performances.    

    “With India being one of the fastest growing markets in the world for fantasy gaming, bolstering our presence in this space has been a key focus for us over the last few years,” said NBA India Country head Rajah Chaudhry.  “We have seen a significant increase in fan engagement since the launch of our official fantasy game on Dream11, and as we embark on this continued journey together, we look forward to pushing the boundaries of innovation in fantasy gaming and providing fans with even more exciting ways to connect with the NBA and WNBA.”

    Speaking on the partnership, Dream11 Chief Marketing Officer Vikrant Mudliar said, “Our partners have played a key role in making Dream11 the world’s largest fantasy sports platform.  As we extend our collaboration with the NBA and WNBA, we’re committed to taking the excitement of basketball to new heights for our users.  This association underscores our dedication to the sport while also highlighting the limitless possibilities in the realm of fantasy gaming.  Together we are committed to redefining the way fans engage with basketball and the leagues, creating an immersive and unparalleled experience for users.”

    Fans can play the official NBA and WNBA fantasy games at Dream11.com and on the Dream11 App, which is available for download via the App Store.  

    The 2023-24 NBA season is airing live in India on Sports18-1, Sports18 Khel, JioCinema and NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the NBA App.  Fans in India can follow the NBA on Facebook (Facebook.com/NBAIndia), Instagram (@NBAIndia and @NBAStyle_in for everything style related), X (@NBAIndia) and download the NBA App for the latest news, updates, scores, stats, schedules, videos and more.

    The WNBA Draft will be held on Monday, April 15, and the WNBA’s 28 seasons tip-off on Tuesday, 14 May 2024.  Live games will be available on WNBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscription service available via the WNBA App.  Through the WNBA App’s around-the-clock women’s basketball coverage, featuring the latest news and biggest stories, real-time notifications, social style vertical videos and customizable viewing options, users can stay connected with the WNBA and women’s basketball in a new way.  Classic WNBA programming, including documentaries, game highlights and public service announcements can also be viewed on Doordarshan (DD) Sports.  Fans in India can follow the WNBA on Facebook (Facebook.com/WNBA), Instagram (@WNBA), and X (@WNBA). 

  • Excited to be in India and connect with passionate fans, says Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

    Excited to be in India and connect with passionate fans, says Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

    Mumbai: Arriving for his highly-anticipated tour in India, Manchester United legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expressed his excitement about visiting the country and engaging with passionate football fans as his three-day visit, hosted by Tilak Gaurang Shah, founder of Ace of Pubs, kicked off at the ITC Gardenia in Bengaluru on Friday.

    With India being home to a staggering 38 per cent of Manchester United’s global fan base as per data from YouGov, Solskjaer’s visit marks a historic moment for the team’s supporters across the nation.

    Sharing his enthusiasm, Solskjaer said, “I am truly thrilled to finally be here in India and meet the nation’s Red Devils. This tour organised by Tilak is not only a memorable moment for fans but also for me as I have been eager to visit the country and experience its footballing culture. I am deeply grateful for the warm welcome I have received in Bengaluru, and eagerly anticipate meeting fans in Delhi and Mumbai.”

    Renowned for his remarkable career and iconic moments on the field, Solskjaer shared his favourite tales and stories from his time at Old Trafford, offering fans a unique glimpse into not just the career of the ‘baby-faced assassin’ but also the world of professional football.

    “I have had the privilege of experiencing football’s magic on both sides of the touchline. So, it is always a delight to be able to reminisce about those last-minute goals and unforgettable victories with the fans. While I had only heard about the devotion of Indians towards Manchester United, getting the opportunity to experience it firsthand today was incredible,” stated Solskjaer.

    Enhancing the anticipation surrounding Solskjaer’s debut India tour, fans will also get the chance to acquire exclusive football memorabilia, sourced meticulously by Tilak. The dedicated Manchester United fan will be hosting the auction for this exceptional collection including rare football boots and distinctive canvases autographed by the Norwegian, as well as signed jerseys from his esteemed former teammates.

    “Today marks the start of a special three-day journey for Manchester United fans across the nation. By bringing Solskjaer to India, we have not only given fans the chance to meet their idol but also been able to showcase the deep connection between the country and the club. Through this tour, we aim to fulfil the lifelong dreams of supporters and provide them with precious football items they will cherish for years to come,” commented  Ace of Pubs Shah, founder Tilak Gaurang.

    Following the Bengaluru leg of the tour, the exciting tour will ensure football fans get an opportunity to meet Solskjaer, who will be holding gala dinners at the ITC Grand Central, Mumbai on 10 February and ITC Maurya, New Delhi on 11 February.

    With the presence of prominent brands propelling the event’s stature, Solskjaer’s India tour is set to seamlessly connect fans with the Norwegian football icon in a premium experiential manner.

    American Express has been onboard as the official lifestyle partner for the event. Radio City has joined as the official radio partner, while Truefitt & Hill is the official grooming partner.

    Simba has been roped in as the official roaring partner, with Outcry Entertainment signed on as the official production partner. Cinepolis is the designated official multiplex partner, and Oscar Foundation stands as the official community partner.

    While 12 Man Brewing has partnered as the official gameday partner in Mumbai, Ace of Trades will orchestrate corporate engagements for the tour, ensuring an unforgettable experience for corporate partners with the legendary Solskjaer.

    The event will be meticulously curated by Zomato Live, with tickets exclusively available on the Zomato app.

    Fans can book their tickets with the links below:

    Mumbai:
    https://zoma.to/live-event/27850

    New Delhi: 
    https://zoma.to/live-event/27826 

  • DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024 ropes in twelve notable sponsors

    DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024 ropes in twelve notable sponsors

    Mumbai: DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024, organised by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA), has onboarded twelve gold sponsors who have pledged their support to elevate the stature of the tournament, set to take place at the KSLTA Stadium from February 12 to 18.

    Led by real estate companies such as Prestige Group and Brigade Group, cable and broadband company ACT Fibernet, the country’s public sector banks Canara Bank and Bank of Baroda as well as conglomerates Hitachi and JSW Group have been roped in by the ATP 100 Challenger Event.

    These sponsors aim to not only showcase their commitment to supporting sports but also to bolster community engagement.

    Additionally, Ultratech Cement, Brigade Group, SKME, Baranj Coal Mines Pvt Ltd, Ramco Cement, Prestige Group, ACT Fibernet, and Suprada Constructions Pvt Ltd., have all joined as gold sponsors.

    The collective involvement of these distinguished corporate and business companies will play a vital role in contributing to the growth of tennis in the city.

    By leveraging the tournament’s prominence, the sponsors will be enhancing their visibility across diverse sports audiences nationwide.

    KSLTA secretary, organising committee Maheshwar Rao IAS, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with the prominent sponsors by saying, “We are delighted to welcome our valued sponsors for the DafaNews Bengaluru Open 2024. All our sponsors will play a pivotal role in increasing the prominence of this prestigious event and their support is integral to its success. With a shared vision for promoting tennis in the country, we look forward to delivering an exciting week of tennis in Bengaluru.”

    While DafaNews will maintain its association as the title sponsor of the tournament, it will be joined by the Government of Karnataka’s Department of Tourism who will be continuing its role as the presenting sponsor.

    Furthermore, Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Ltd will also retain its role as the platinum sponsor for this year.

    Sumit Nagal will lead India’s challenge in the singles for the event. Nagal had knocked out world number 27 Alexander Bublik at the Australian Open in the main draw first round.

    In doubles, the country’s Davis Cuppers, including Ramkumar Ramanathan and N Sriram Balaji, who played a key role in India’s commanding win over Pakistan with their singles performances in Islamabad, will compete in the doubles event.

  • Rugby India to launch Rugby Premier League

    Rugby India to launch Rugby Premier League

    Mumbai: Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU in its stated goals of spreading the development of the sport across the country, announced that they will be launching a first-of-its-kind franchise-based league for Rugby to be called the Rugby Premier League (RPL). The league will feature some of the best 7s rugby talent internationally as well as from India.  It was also announced that IRFU has partnered with one of India’s leading sports marketing companies Baseline Ventures India Pvt Ltd for organising & marketing the league. The league to be played in the 7s format of the sport is slated to be held in September this year and will feature six teams in its inaugural season.

    Speaking on the historic announcement, Indian Rugby Football Union president Rahul Bose said, “This is a landmark moment for India and Indian Rugby. Rugby is one of the biggest sports globally and India has been making steady progress in the sport for the last few years. This strengthened our belief that now is the right time for us to take the leap towards starting a professional league in India. We are confident that the RPL will be a game-changer for Indian Rugby by providing our players a platform to rub shoulders with some of the best in the world and showcase their talent. The RPL will be a world-class product.”

    Expressing his enthusiasm at partnering with Indian Rugby Football Union for organising & marketing the Rugby Premier League, Baseline Ventures India Pvt Ltd managing director Tuhin Mishra said, ‘“We at Baseline are extremely delighted to partner with Rugby India & play a part in developing the first franchise-based rugby league. Rugby is a global sport & it has all the elements of being a great TV & on-ground sport with its fast-paced, action-oriented style of play, with points scored every other minute!”

  • Star Sports Ad Sales launches ‘Startup Power Play’ for emerging brands on Tata IPL

    Star Sports Ad Sales launches ‘Startup Power Play’ for emerging brands on Tata IPL

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official TV broadcaster of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL), brings a one-of-a-kind opportunity ‘Startup Power Play’ for start-ups in India. This initiative invites startups to craft a crisp 60-second commercial, strategically positioned to captivate audiences during each IPL match. The broadcaster will be collaborating with D2C Insider as an ecosystem partner to leverage access to the large community of Startups. D2C Insider is the largest community of carefully curated founders and CXOs from the D2C ecosystem.

    “This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and empowering emerging brands. By offering a platform for startups to showcase their stories and connect with audiences in a meaningful way, we aim to not only elevate their brand presence but also contribute to their growth story. We look forward to witnessing the impact of these startups as they seize this unique opportunity to captivate audiences and make their mark in the industry,” said Disney Star head – network advertising sales Ajit Varghese.

    “We’re excited about our collaboration with Star Sports for IPL 2023. D2C Insider is one of India’s largest communities of startups aimed at fostering idea exchange and growth assistance among its members.  Startup Powerplay could be a potential gamechanger for startups in India, giving them an open canvas to tell their brand story on the biggest stage. The creation of an opportunity for startups specifically is a signal of intent from Star Sports to make IPL on TV much more accessible for early-stage businesses and could be a fantastic launchpad for our members,” said D2C Insider co-founder Kshitij Ladia.

    Tailored to maximise impact and exclusivity, ‘Startup Power Play’ offers one startup per day the spotlight to showcase their brand or product story. With the IPL’s vast reach and engagement, startups can harness the platform’s potential to amplify their offerings and connect with consumers on a massive scale. To bolster early-stage ventures, Startup Power Play presents an appealing introductory price, ensuring accessibility for startups of all sizes.

    Star Sports witnessed a record-breaking IPL last year, reaching a total of 505 million viewers through the tournament. IPL on HD reached 101 million viewers last season. IPL 2024 on Star Sports presents an unmissable opportunity for brands to leverage an unmatched scale with utmost efficiency with the ability to drive differentiated impact on business KPIs.

  • ASICS unveils Delhi Marathon gear with star athletes

    ASICS unveils Delhi Marathon gear with star athletes

    Mumbai: ASICS, the Japanese sportswear brand, launched limited-edition merchandise for the upcoming Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon 2024. ASICS Brand Athletes Prasidh Krishna, T Gopi, Joshna Chinappa and Saurav Ghosal along with ASICS Management unveiled the new collection at the ASICS store in Ambience Mall, Gurugram.

    ASICS is dedicated to creating best-in-class products to help them enhance their overall performance and achieve new milestones. The Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon 2024 merchandise unveils a design theme inspired by the organic and flowing forms found in nature, drawing on elements like landscape contours and a captivating satellite-like view from the top, seamlessly integrated with the Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon’s route map. By emphasising the mental and emotional benefits of exercise, this collection is designed to promote holistic well-being and foster personal growth.

    ASICS, with its foundation deeply embedded in consumer-centric design, places paramount importance on addressing customer needs by engaging in comprehensive primary data collection worldwide. Through feedback and direct customer interactions, ASICS gathers insights from consumers globally. These inputs fuel the research and development ensuring each product is meticulously crafted to meet and exceed consumer expectations. ASICS remains dedicated to deliver Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon 2024 merchandise that resonates with athletes and enthusiasts.

    ASICS India and South ASIA managing director Rajat Khurana said, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with the Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon 2024, a vibrant celebration of athleticism and community spirit. With our esteemed ASICS athletes Prasidh Krishna, T Gopi, Joshna Chinappa, and Saurav Ghosal onboard, we unveil our official merchandise collection. Inspired by Delhi’s dynamic energy and the essence of this prestigious event, our goal is to empower athletes of all levels with apparel designed to unleash their full potential. This collection reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting individuals in achieving their athletic aspirations.”

    NEB Sports chairman & managing director Nagraj Adiga said, “We are thrilled to have ASICS onboard and excited to offer the best quality products to the runners. Delhi is undoubtedly one of our largest races and it’s with privilege and responsibility that we carry the National Marathon Championship title.  It’s humbling to see people from all parts of India and outside travelling to Delhi to participate in our event.  We are geared up to deliver a wholesome experience and look forward to some amazing performances.”

    The running community in Delhi NCR is witnessing remarkable growth. ASICS Running Club an inclusive running group led by experienced runners where weekly training programs are organized to help one achieve personal fitness goals. The increasing awareness of the health benefits of running further fuels the adoption of running as a regular exercise routine.

    The official Apollo Tyres New Delhi Marathon 2024 merchandise will be available to shop on flagship ASICS stores across the country and online brand stores

  • Nagaland Olympic Association partners with SFA

    Nagaland Olympic Association partners with SFA

    Mumbai: Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) and Sports For All (SFA), have announced a strategic partnership to strengthen the grassroots ecosystem in the state. The announcement was made in attendance of esteemed dignitaries, Neiphiu Rio chief minister of Nagaland; Y Patton deputy CM, Nagaland; Abu Metha advisor to CM  and chairman IDAN and Neivikuolie Khatsu, assistant secretary general, NOA, along with SFA team represented by Rishikesh Joshi, founder and Tilak Kakkad, director’s office. This partnership marks a significant step towards the realization of the shared vision to encourage sports participation, empower talent, and build a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on a larger stage.  

    Nagaland, known for its rich cultural heritage, has been making commendable strides in sports. The recently announced Nagaland Olympic & Paralympic Games 2024 across 16 sporting disciplines underscore the state’s dedication to creating opportunities for athletes. Archery, Athletics, Badminton,  Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Football, etc. are some of the key sports of the state. Previously, Nagaland has also produced some great sportsmen like Dr. T Ao (the first captain of the Indian Olympic football team)  and Chekrovolu Swuro (Olympian archer and Arjuna Awardee).  

    Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio shared, “Nagaland Olympic Association and  Sports For All (SFA), together aim to create an environment that encourages sports at the grassroots level and ignites a passion for excellence. Our aim is to bring about sustainable change for our state, through sports. Introducing a sporting culture in school, strengthening the same in college, and creating a strong ecosystem for women athletes and coaches, are key initiatives that make Nagaland a great contender to host the National Games”.  

    Adding to this revolutionary association, expressed IDAN advisor to CM and chairman Abu Metha,  “This partnership is aligned with our vision to broaden the sporting ecosystem in Nagaland and offer an opportunity for our athletes to test their capabilities and gain exposure. We are looking forward to the journey of triumph and personal growth that lies ahead for our athletes, our future Champions”.

    SFA, India’s largest tech-enabled multi-sports school competition platform, has been working towards the development of the grassroots sports ecosystem of the country, since its inception in 2015. Through this partnership, the company will facilitate its flagship IP – SFA Championships – a pivotal platform for developing grassroots sports in the state and the country. The commitment of the NOA and the  Government of Nagaland will be a catalyst in the discovery of sporting talent at the SFA Championships.  

    Speaking on the partnership, Sports For All (SFA) founder Rishikesh Joshi elaborated, “The partnership with Nagaland Olympic Association strengthens our mission to enable a platform for the country’s youth to compete and play sports. Nagaland has seen significant growth in terms of sporting infrastructure and budding athletes, and this association will assist in furthering the sporting ecosystem of the state and our country. After having created a valuable impact across 9 cities within a span of three months, SFA  Championships will now make a debut in the North-East, the grounds of emerging sporting potential”.

    With the forward path to host 150 Championships across 50 cities of India, in the next five years, this partnership is a move forward in making sports accessible for school athletes across the country, thereby empowering today’s talent to become the Champions of tomorrow. The journey to represent the country at the Olympics is what SFA Championships is enabling for emerging athletes. 

  • Pavna Sports venture launches South Asia’s Women’s Handball League in India

    Pavna Sports venture launches South Asia’s Women’s Handball League in India

    Mumbai: Pavna Sports Venture have announced the launch of South Asia’s inaugural professional Women’s Handball League (WHL) in India and will be making a significant investment of Rs 100 crores which will be strategically allocated over the next three years to drive revolutionary grassroots development of the sport in India.

    The WHL will be organised under the auspices of the South Asian Handball Federation, the Asian Handball Federation, and supported by the Handball Association of India.

    As the official licensee holders, Pavna Sports Venture also plans to integrate foreign exchange programs as a crucial part of its grassroots development initiatives to provide a holistic development platform for Indian women players wherein the necessary exposure and experiences will be provided to make their name in the sport both in India and globally.

    Pavna Sports Venture executive director of Pavna Industries & chairperson Priya Jain shared the plans in detail during the press conference of the league announcement, “As a business group, Pavna Sports Venture is a strong advocate of women empowerment and we believe sports is a crucial tool to facilitate the growth of an individual in many aspects. Our investment of Rs 100 crores will contribute to establishing an inclusive ecosystem that empowers women’s handballs to thrive and secure a premium position within Women’s Sports Leagues in India. Drawing insights from the success trajectories of other sports leagues in the country, we have a long-term vision for the Women’s Handball League and expect it to achieve financial profitability within the next five to six years as per our projections. We are aiming to launch the league by January 2025 and are focused on creating a self-sustaining model with robust foundations that can prosper without relying on external financial support.”

    The financial commitment will play a pivotal role in stimulating key areas at the grassroots level such as infrastructure development, talent identification, and the creation of high-quality coaching facilities.

    With six teams set to compete in the inaugural edition, the league will feature prominent players from the Middle East, South East, Europe, and Africa who will enhance the league’s diversity and competitiveness to create a spectacle of best-in-class Handball action for fans across the country.

    “We are proud to be part of this historic moment as we launch India’s first Women’s Handball League. This league is a significant step forward in our mission to promote and develop women’s handball across the country. By joining forces with Pavna Sports Venture and international Handball federations, we aim to elevate the standard of women’s handball in India and provide our athletes with a world-class platform to compete at the highest level. This league marks the beginning of a new era for women’s handball in our nation,” stated Handball Association of India & Secretary General of South Asian Handball Federation league chairman Anandeshwar Pandey.

    Women’s handball in India has been on the rise with over 300,000 girls and women actively engaging in handball across various levels in India, representing schools, colleges, universities, CISF, CRPF, Railways, Services Sports Control Board (Army, Navy, Airforce), Sports Authority of India, Sports Promotion Board, and more.

    The WHL promises to be a game-changer for women’s handball in India by not only providing a transformative platform for players to showcase their skills but also creating future champions.

  • Eurosport, DD Sports to broadcast the Indian Veteran Premier League from 23 Feb

    Eurosport, DD Sports to broadcast the Indian Veteran Premier League from 23 Feb

    Mumbai: Eurosport and DD Sports will broadcast the upcoming first edition of the much-awaited Indian Veteran Premier League (IVPL) which will be played from 23 February to 3 March 2024, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun.

    Organised by the Board for Veteran Cricket in India (BVCI) and managed by 100 Sports, the IVPL promises an extraordinary showcase of cricketing talent, bringing together International cricket sensations such as Virender Sehwag, Munaf Patel, Suresh Raina, Rajat Bhatia, Chris Gayle, Praveen Kumar, Yusuf Pathan, Herschelle Gibbs, Anrureet Singh, and many more.

    This proud moment for all veteran cricketers registered with BVCI will be part of the action towards fulfilling their dreams to play with international stars for the first time.

    Scheduled to run from 23 February to 3 March 2024, in the picturesque city of Dehradun, the IVPL will witness six strong teams vying for glory in this unique cricketing spectacle. The matches will be broadcasted live in India on the Eurosport channel and DD Sports.

    BVCI acting president and IVPL chairman Praveen Tyagi said, “We are excited for our first season which will be a highly attended event, and all live matches will be on Eurosport, DD Sports and too. We are trying to create one of the best leagues in  India after IPL, we have added the World’s best cricketers for the stature of Veteran Cricket, such as Chris Gayle, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina. This will  infuse a new energy for Veteran Cricket in India as well as it will work like magic for Veteran Cricketers, who are living their passion for playing with International Cricketers from the World.”

    The participating teams include VVIP Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan Legends, Red Carpet Delhi, Chhattisgarh Warriors, Telangana Tigers, and Mumbai Champions. Each team is a powerhouse of talent, as cricketing legends and regional stars come together to relive their passion for the game. Each team will have four to five iconic players from across the world.

    The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun is all set to be the epicenter of this cricketing extravaganza, providing fans with an unparalleled opportunity to witness their favorite cricketing icons in action. It will be a comprehensive viewing experience for fans as they can watch all the live action on Eurosport and DD Sports.

  • Cricket Australia & Star Sports partnership soars with viewership surge

    Cricket Australia & Star Sports partnership soars with viewership surge

    Mumbai: Cricket Australia and Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Australian Cricket in India, are pleased to announce a surge in Indian viewership of the recently concluded Men’s Big Bash League (BBL) 2023/24 and Pakistan tour of Australia. More than 55 million viewers watched the entire BBL 23/24 season on Star Sports Network, 203 per cent more than the previous season, making it the most-watched edition in India. Furthermore, the broadcaster has recorded 3.75 billion minutes of watch time, 105 per cent higher than the previous season. The playoffs and the final on Star Sports were produced in five languages for the first time ever.

    Furthermore, the bilateral series between Australia and Pakistan witnessed more than 9.5 million viewers tune in for the 3 test matches, a remarkable 54 per cent increase compared to the previous Pakistan tour down under.

    The increased interest in Australian Cricket after a successful World Cup campaign in India and the promise of action-packed contests combined with growing penetration of the Star Sports Network (available in nine out of 10 pay TV homes), a well-rounded marketing campaign promoting the Australian summer and high-quality broadcasts customised for Indian fans, paved the way for this surge in viewership.

    Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said, “We are delighted with the strong interest in Australian cricket in India and that this has translated into such big viewing audiences on Star Sports. It is particularly pleasing that the BBL has reached a massive 55 million viewers this season, which is a testament to the quality of cricket and the brilliant coverage being offered by Star Sports, including in multiple languages for the BBL Finals. That more than 9.5 million viewers tuned into Star Sports for the recent series against Pakistan is a testament to the interest in this world champion Australian team and the enduring passion for Test cricket in India.”

    “We can’t wait to host India next summer for the five-Test Border Gavaskar Test Series, at a time when Australia and India are the two top-ranked Test teams in the world. We look forward to working with Star to expand our localised offering to Indian fans in time for next summer’s blockbuster season”, he added.

    Disney Star head sports Sanjog Gupta said, “The growth in viewership for the Australian summer is testament to the compelling combination of Australian Cricket’s popularity, Star Sports’ brand equity (as the most loved destination for sports) and the TV network’s wide distribution.  The significant growth in watch time and engagement also demonstrates the Indian fan’s appreciation for quality Cricket and willingness to watch different forms of the sport. The added context of Australia’s World Cup win in India and key content initiatives including the addition of Indian languages for BBL playoffs, have acted as boosters to the inherent strength of this collaboration between CA and Disney Star. We are thrilled with the strong start of the journey together.”

    Star Sports is currently airing the West Indies tour of Australia, a riveting series comprising two tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. Considering the growing interest in Australian cricket on Star Sports, the T20Is between Australia and West Indies will be broadcast in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada on the Star Sports Network. The Women’s cricket series between Australia and South Africa is also being aired on the Star Sports Network in India. As the partnership between Cricket Australia and Star Sports continues to evolve, fans can expect even more exciting initiatives, innovative technology, and captivating content that will further elevate the cricket viewing experience for viewers across India.

    Source: BARC 2+U+R