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Tag: Anurag Thakur

  • BCCI appoints media honcho Rahul Johri as CEO

    BCCI appoints media honcho Rahul Johri as CEO

    MUMBAI: Board of Control for Cricket in India announced on Wednesday (April 20) that Rahul Johri has been appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Johri was last serving as Discovery Networks Asia Pacific’s Executive Vice-President and General Manager for South Asia and had stepped down from the position earlier this year. 

    Rahul brings with him immense experience and knowledge on board and will be responsible for the smooth functioning of operations, stakeholder management and building robust strategies for further promoting the sport.

    Speaking to Indiantelevision.com Johri said, “I will occupy office from June 1, 2016 onwards, and will be reporting to the Honorary Secretary BCCI Anurag Thakur.” 

    Commenting on the appointment, BCCI President, Shashank Manohar, said, “We are pleased to have Rahul with us and are sure his vast experience and knowledge will benefit the board. His vision, guidance and support will contribute towards the successful working of the BCCI.”

    BCCI Secretary, Anurag Thakur said, “We welcome Rahul aboard and wish him luck for his new role at BCCI. In the past one year, BCCI has undertaken various initiatives aimed towards transforming the working of BCCI in order to make the functioning more robust. This endeavor is another initiative of the board aimed in the same direction and will mark as one more milestone towards strengthening the professional working of the BCCI.”

    Commenting on his appointment, Rahul Johri, said, “I am honored at the opportunity to serve millions of Indian cricket fans. It will be my utmost endeavor to contribute to the Indian cricket. I am thankful to the President and Honorary Secretary of the BCCI for bestowing such faith in me. I look forward to everyone’s support to fulfill this tremendous responsibility.”
    Indiantelevision.com first broke the news of Rahul Johri quitting Discovery as APAC EVP & GM – South Asia.

    Read: http://www.indiantelevision.com/television/tv-channels/factual-and-documentary/discovery-apac-evp-gm-south-asia-rahul-johri-quits-160224

  • Hyundai Motor India is official partner BCCI

    Hyundai Motor India is official partner BCCI

    MUMBAI:  Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s largest passenger car exporter and second largest car manufacturer has entered into a four year partnership with the apex cricket body, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as an Official Partner for all its matches in India along with exclusive category rights.

    Commenting on the partnership, Hyundai Motor India Ltd.  managing director and CEO  Y K Koo said, “Hyundai is extremely proud to be the Official Partner of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the next four years. Indians love their cricket, and they love their cars and that’s one of the reasons Hyundai has always been closely associated with a sport like cricket. We want to keep the excitement around Hyundai brand by engaging our customers at every point. This partnership is a part of Hyundai’s efforts to expand its presence in global sporting activities like Cricket, Football, Golf and World Rally Championship across worldwide markets. Hyundai sees this cricket partnership as a core element of its strategy, playing a vital role in connecting global customers to our brand.”

    At an official signing ceremony, Honorary Secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Anurag Thakur  said, “We are glad to welcome Hyundai on board as the Official Partner for all international matches organized by BCCI in India. Hyundai is a global automotive leader and we look forward to working together for the next four years to deliver a strong partnership at all our matches in India.”

    As a dynamic automotive brand, Hyundai has always connected with sports globally. Aside from providing the vehicles, Hyundai will initiate innovative activities during the tournaments to enable Cricket Fans in various parts of the country to ‘Experience Hyundai’. To reach out to people in multiple cities, Hyundai will conduct Trophy Tours in association with BCCI to build the excitement prior to the tournaments. In-stadia car display and branding at team dug-outs during T20 matches` will be the major on-ground promotional activities during the tournaments. 

    Hyundai is the Official Partner of BCCI for all matches to be played over the period of four years across the three formats – Test, One day, and T20. Under this agreement, a Hyundai fleet of premium cars would be used for transporting the various stakeholders of the game throughout the event. The Hyundai fleet offers a collection of versatile vehicles providing travelers exceptional comfort and safety for transfers to and from matches and official engagements. An array of premium features and design elements ensure drivers and passengers are able to fully enjoy state-of-the-art technology, superior levels of comfort, and stylish interior and exterior design.

  • Hyundai Motor India is official partner BCCI

    Hyundai Motor India is official partner BCCI

    MUMBAI:  Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL), the country’s largest passenger car exporter and second largest car manufacturer has entered into a four year partnership with the apex cricket body, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), as an Official Partner for all its matches in India along with exclusive category rights.

    Commenting on the partnership, Hyundai Motor India Ltd.  managing director and CEO  Y K Koo said, “Hyundai is extremely proud to be the Official Partner of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for the next four years. Indians love their cricket, and they love their cars and that’s one of the reasons Hyundai has always been closely associated with a sport like cricket. We want to keep the excitement around Hyundai brand by engaging our customers at every point. This partnership is a part of Hyundai’s efforts to expand its presence in global sporting activities like Cricket, Football, Golf and World Rally Championship across worldwide markets. Hyundai sees this cricket partnership as a core element of its strategy, playing a vital role in connecting global customers to our brand.”

    At an official signing ceremony, Honorary Secretary of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Anurag Thakur  said, “We are glad to welcome Hyundai on board as the Official Partner for all international matches organized by BCCI in India. Hyundai is a global automotive leader and we look forward to working together for the next four years to deliver a strong partnership at all our matches in India.”

    As a dynamic automotive brand, Hyundai has always connected with sports globally. Aside from providing the vehicles, Hyundai will initiate innovative activities during the tournaments to enable Cricket Fans in various parts of the country to ‘Experience Hyundai’. To reach out to people in multiple cities, Hyundai will conduct Trophy Tours in association with BCCI to build the excitement prior to the tournaments. In-stadia car display and branding at team dug-outs during T20 matches` will be the major on-ground promotional activities during the tournaments. 

    Hyundai is the Official Partner of BCCI for all matches to be played over the period of four years across the three formats – Test, One day, and T20. Under this agreement, a Hyundai fleet of premium cars would be used for transporting the various stakeholders of the game throughout the event. The Hyundai fleet offers a collection of versatile vehicles providing travelers exceptional comfort and safety for transfers to and from matches and official engagements. An array of premium features and design elements ensure drivers and passengers are able to fully enjoy state-of-the-art technology, superior levels of comfort, and stylish interior and exterior design.

  • Vivo furthers Indian localisation strategy with IPL; plans major marketing push

    Vivo furthers Indian localisation strategy with IPL; plans major marketing push

    MUMBAI: With an aim to expand its Indian localisation strategy as well as furthering its interest and association in sporting events, Chinese multinational manufacturer of smartphones Vivo has set sight on the Indian market field in a big way.

     

    As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, Vivo hit a six by grabbing the title sponsorship for the multi-million dollar cricket tourney – The Indian Premiere League (IPL) for a period of two years. The move came in the wake of Pepsi withdrawing its title sponsorship deal.

     

    This is Vivo’s first and so far the largest brand association since its launch in the Indian market. With 2015 being Vivo’s 20th anniversary and the first anniversary in India, the company sees Vivo-IPL making the throttle of its development even stronger.

     

    In the coming two seasons (2016 and 2017), Vivo and IPL will have extensive cooperation in terms of sports events, on-ground activations, media exposure and marketing campaigns.

     

    As a brand, Vivo has shown great interest in sports and had sponsored NBA’s live broadcasting in China last year. With an aim to enhance its brand awareness and reputation as well as get closer to its potential customers in the vast Indian market, Vivo will be utilising the IPL medium to the hilt over the next two years with a major marketing push. The Chinese company plans to launch 360 degree marketing campaigns, which will include athlete endorsements, television commercials (TVCs), venue advertisements, on-ground activation, digital and social media campaigns and fan meetings amongst others.

     

    Vivo Mobile India CEO Alex Feng said, “We always believe in supporting new talents and associated ourselves only with premium events globally. This investment reiterates how important Indian market is for us, and we are confident that Vivo will get returns from our investment in IPL, and this association will further advance our Love India, Love Vivo initiative.” 

     

    “Vivo is the pioneer of Hi-Fi music smartphone, and we strive to create smartphones combined with artistic design and technological innovation. Vivo’s spirit is to pursue excellence and create surprises. IPL, as the world’s premium cricket event, is also creating the ultimate sports experience to the world. It is this shared commitment to excellence that brought IPL and Vivo together,” he added.

     

    BCCI secretary Anurag Thakur said, “IPL is all about opportunities and exhibition of talent and with Vivo coming in as the title sponsor, it is yet another initiative to showcase a brand, which is young, full of life and looking for a platform to showcase its talent. Just like the IPL, Vivo in a very short span have created a niche and legacy in the smartphone market and I am sure this will be a long and enriching affiliation for both the stakeholders.”

     

    Speculations were rife that in the light of the match fixing controversy, which led to Pepsi pulling out of the IPL title sponsorship, the sponsorship rates might drop. However, Thakur informed that the IPL was still a coveted property in the eyes of many a brands. Thakur says that Vivo was not the only brand, which had bid for the IPL title sponsorship and that there were four brands, which were interested in coming on board as the title sponsor for the IPL and another three (apart from Vivo) were still interested in coming on board via different associations.. 

     

    Starting from 2014, Vivo initiated its global expansion including India. The company’s association with IPL is a strong sign of its ambition of the long term development in India. Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Make in India’ initiative also resonates with Vivo’s plan. Its assembly unit in Greater Noida is the first step toward this commitment. With Rs 125 crore first-phase investment, this unit will be operational in November, 2015.

     

    The company employs 8,000 people in India and has associated with over 10,000 retailers, in over 300 cities in 22 states, with a strong focus on Hi-Fi Music. The company embedded Hi-Fi & Smart into its brand and product genes. It created the world’s first Hi-Fi smartphone, established smartphone Hi-Fi standard and upgraded it to Hi-Fi 2.0.

  • India – Pak rivalry: Why is cricket the only scapegoat?

    India – Pak rivalry: Why is cricket the only scapegoat?

    MUMBAI: Since Independence, which then also led to Partition, the relationship between India and Pakistan has been all but cordial. Even as pigeons were flown from either side to send across a message of peace and harmony, it could not prevent bullets and bloodshed.

     

    If there’s been one unallied casualty as a result of the unrest at the Line of Control and differences between the two countries, it is cricket.

     

    In the recent past, while commenting on the Indo-Pak bilateral series former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly and Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Anurag Thakur said that terrorism and cricket cannot go together. Strong message indeed! Yes, it’s true that Pakistan is infiltrating every now and then as a result of which soldiers and innocent civilians are losing their lives and hence a blockage of dialogue is indeed pragmatic.

     

    What’s more, blocking cricket between the two countries as a part of process is also justified. However, the all important question here is: Why the partial blocking?

     

    Consider this: Mibah-Ul-Haq is not allowed to bat in India but Ramiz Raza and Shoaib Akhtar are allowed to commentate on a India – South Africa match. Not only that, while Wasim Akram is allowed to coach the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Pakistani players’ participation is strictly prohibitive in the same. Aleem Dar – the umpire from Pakistan – has access to cricket fields in India whereas Mohammad Hafeez is not allowed.

     

    Why is the diplomatic barrel limited to the 11 players in the lush green cricket field? Why are we restricting ourselves to cricket, which is a form of entertainment in India? Shouldn’t the blockage be unanimous?

     

    Music is also a form of entertainment and singers’ voices from the other side of the border reverberate all across the nation as they croon in Bollywood movies, launch their albums and hold many public and private concerts. This year Atif Aslam has already had three concerts in India. The Pakistani artist and his team charge between Rs 60 – 70 lakh for a live concert. Indians buy tickets and enjoy the concert, whereas the organisers reap in the benefit and generate huge revenue through ticketing and sponsorship. Rates of a Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan live concert are also in the similar range.

     

    Money making from India and Indian market is not only limited to music. Actors and actresses often feature in Bollywood movies. Recently Pakistani actor Fawad Khan paired up with Sonam Kapoor for Khoobsurat and soon Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan will be seen romancing the famous Pakistani TV actress Mahira Khan on the big screen.

     

    Speaking of Fawad and Mahira Khan, Zee TV has a dedicated entertainment channel – Zindagi, which has content sourced from Pakistan.

     

    The India vs Pakistan bouts in cricket are considered to be one the biggest derbies in the world of sports. Ecstasy, agony, congratulations and commiserations during any such bout are unlike any other match. What’s more, television ratings also prove the same. The ratings of an India vs Pakistan match almost doubles the ratings of any other match in a bilateral series.

     

    Absence of Indo-Pak cricket series is a major loss for broadcasters too. While the ad rates for a normal match generally fluctuate between Rs 1.5 – 3 lakh for a 10 second slot, the rival series can command as high much as Rs 4 lakh.

     

    As is said – ‘Art, Music, Sports has no religion, caste, community, geography or demographical barriers.’ However, with the way things are progressing, we might find sports out of it very soon. Pakistani players were restricted to participate in Mumbai and Pune during the second edition of Star Sports Pro Kabaddi League. On the other hand, India’s national sports Hockey is also mulling following the no Pakistan rule. In December 2014 India last hosted Pakistan for a bilateral series, and whether India will host or travel to Pakistan anytime soon is something that the Sports Authority of India has yet to decide.   

     

    India is scheduled to play a bilateral series against Pakistan in December. But now that seems to be nothing but impossible. In a press conference, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shariyar Khan said, “The series with India does not look possible now and it is a big loss for cricket but we will try, although I do not think it will lead to anything. We have always said that politics and sports should be kept apart. But apparently India does not think this way.”

     

    Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Anurag Thakur’s tweet almost spelled the rule out for the series. His tweet read, “There will be no revival of cricketing relations between the two countries if Pakistan harbours Dawood Ibrahim and makes attempts to indulge in dialogue with separatist leaders.”

     

    Whether the ‘no sports with Pakistan’ route is right or not, is the prerogative of lawmakers to adjudicate but this partial prohibition certainly is a subject of a larger debate. So the question remains, why ban only cricket and let rest of the entertainment go on?

  • BCCI congratulates Indian Team on Test series win against Sri Lanka

    BCCI congratulates Indian Team on Test series win against Sri Lanka

    MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has congratulated the Indian Cricket Team on winning the three-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

     

    BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya said, “On behalf of everyone in Indian cricket I would like to congratulate the Indian Cricket Team on their 2-1 Test series win in Sri Lanka. The magnitude of this brilliant win can be ascertained by the fact that the series win in Sri Lanka has come after 22 years. The team and management have made their way in the cricketing history books.”

     

    “I also congratulate Mr. Virat Kohli for this victory. Mr. Kohli has been exceptional in his role as captain of the Indian cricket team. He is doing an excellent job in building a new team and leading from the front,” added Dalmiya.

     

    BCCI Honorary secretary Anurag Thakur said, “My hearty congratulations to the Indian Cricket team on the Test series win in Sri Lanka. A special kudos to Mr. Virat Kohli on winning his first series as India’s Test captain and I hope this is the first of many for the captain and his young team. The boys can be very proud of what they have achieved and I am confident they will now strive for doing it on a consistent basis.

     

    “The challenge for us is to create sustained success and to ensure that Team India’s performances keep on improving in the upcoming season. We believe we are putting in place the foundations to move in the right direction. We are committed to doing everything we can to achieve continuous improvement,” Thakur added.

  • BCCI felicitates retiring Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara

    BCCI felicitates retiring Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara

    MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Hon. Secretary Anurag Thakur, today felicitated Sri Lankan batting great Kumar Sangakkara in Colombo ahead of the second Test between Sri Lanka and India, which marks the farewell of the Sri Lankan legend.

     

    BCCI president Jagmohan Dalmiya, congratulated Sangakkara on a glorious career that spanned over 15 years. “Kumar Sangakkara has not only been a true asset for Sri Lankan cricket but also a great ambassador for the game of cricket. I congratulate him on all his achievements and wish him a happy and successful life post retirement,” said Dalmiya.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Thakur said, “Kumar Sangakkara is a true legend of the game. His conduct both on and off the field has been exemplary. He is one of the most consistent performers of our times and a role model for youngsters around the world. On behalf of the BCCI, I would like to wish him the very best for his future endeavours.”

  • Jagmohan Dalmiya is BCCI president after winning an uncontested election

    Jagmohan Dalmiya is BCCI president after winning an uncontested election

    MUMBAI: After winning an uncontested election veteran cricket administrator Jagmohan Dalmiya will make a comeback as full-time president of Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after 10 years.

     

    He was the sole nominee for the top post, which was formally filled at the board’s AGM on 2 March, 2015.

     

    The former International Cricket Council (ICC) president, whose previous tenure as full-time BCCI chief in India ended in 2004, emerged as a consensus candidate of the two rival groups as the deadline for filing nomination ended on the afternoon of 1 March.

     

    While one group was led by the sidelined board president N. Srinivasan, the other camp was led by Maharashtra strongman Sharad Pawar.

     

    Both the groups claimed that Dalmiya was their candidate, but the wily 74-year-old businessman has kept his cards close to his chest.

     

    “Three sets of nominations were filed on Dalmiya’s behalf. Each of the six BCCI affiliates from the east Zone were either proposer or seconder,” a BCCI source told IANS.

     

    As per BCCI rules, it is the turn of the east zone associations this year to nominate candidates for the elections.

     

    Srinivasan was barred by the Supreme Court from contesting the election following the Indian Premier League (IPL) spot fixing scam. He is not even allowed to participate in the AGM, but can only vote when required as a nominee of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), if there is an election.

     

    Former ICC chief Pawar, who was BCCI president from 2005-2008, was also eyeing the post, but had to backtrack after failing to find a proposer and seconder from the east zone.

     

    Anurag Thakur edged Sanjay Patel by a vote to win the post of BCCI Secretary.

     

    The outcome of the meeting :

     

    ·         Jagmohan Dalmiya – President

    ·         Anurag Thakur – Hon. Secretary

    ·         Amitabh Choudhary – Hon. Jt. Secretary

    ·         Anirudh Chaudhry – Hon. Treasurer

    ·         M.L. Nehru – Vice President (North)

    ·         G. Ganga Raju – Vice President (South)

    ·         Gautam Roy – Vice President (East)

    ·         T.C. Mathew – Vice President (West)

    ·         C.K. Khanna – Vice President (Central)

     

    The audited accounts for the FY 2013 – 2014 were approved.

  • Women should be alluring, says priyanka chopra at agenda Aaj tak

    Women should be alluring, says priyanka chopra at agenda Aaj tak

    MUMBAI: “A woman should always be alluring, we are made to be alluring, we come from the land of Kamasutra.” Actor Priyanka Chopra, who starred on Day 2 of Agenda AajTak, provided perhaps her most candid thoughts yet in response to hard questions about crimes against women, the role of Bollywood in a larger societal message about women, and what the government needs to do.

    “Crimes against women will come down when laws are implemented properly. Laws exist, but there is fearlessness. Unless that fear goes, crimes against women won’t go down,” Priyanka said in response to a question from the BJP’s Anurag Thakur on how the film industry could help in the fight against rape in the backdrop of the December 16 Delhi gangrape. “The film industry is for entertainment. Don’t think society should put the responsibility of the message solely on the film industry. That’s the government’s job,” she said.

    Explaining that she still needed to take the big ‘masala’ films in order to be commercially viable for the freedom to do ‘meaningful’ cinema with strong female characters, Priyanka told the audience about her upcoming sport biopic on Indian Olympian boxer and icon Mary Kom.

    “Training is on, you’ll see my muscles soon. Mary Kom’s character was difficult. But I believe it needs to be the story of every girl, of how barriers are broken. This is the story of every girl who’s had to break barriers in her life,” said Priyanka.

    The actor, who has recently signed on as brand ambassador for GUESS, the “first who isn’t blonde and blue-eyed”, was sporting enough to stand up on stage and show the audience a bit of what training has done for her — some nifty footwork and the boxing stance: “I’m a good boxer now! I’ve picked up a few tricks! I’ve never been sporty in my life, ironically. Have had to turn my life upside down learning a new sport.”

    About her relationships and private life, Priyanka said, “I’m private, but I’m not politically correct. I believe that if I give my 90% to the public, the remaining is for my private life and family. I share a lot on social networks. I don’t believe being a public figure means laying bare all details about my life. A part of my life needs to be mine alone. I used to hide the papers when my father was sick, because of the malicious things people wrote about me. My father was my best friend. I could talk to him about anything.”

    To the inevitable question: Modi or Rahul, Priyanka played safe. “I’m very politically correct. I refuse to comment on anything political.”

    “We are taught that India is a secular country. We don’t need to all think like one person. We don’t live in a dictatorship. We live in a democracy, and we should be proud of it,” she said.