Tag: David White

ZEE Entertainment launches new TVC campaign for DP World ILT20 Season 3

Mumbai: Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., the leading Indian media & entertainment powerhouse, unveiled the marketing campaign for its third edition of DP World ILT20, which will kick off on 11 January 2025. The TVC features Australian batting star David Warner from Dubai Capitals and West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder from Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, alongside talented actors Deven Bhojani and Anand Tiwari who join forces to bring the magic of ILT20 to life.

Set against the dynamic and vibrant backdrop of the UAE, the TVC featuring Warner and Holder combines striking visuals, light-hearted humour, and high-energy cricket action, thereby providing a preview of the experience and entertainment for the fans during the tournament. With the tagline: ‘Duniya bhar ke T20 heroes aa rahe hain Apna Jalwa Dikhaane’ (The world’s top players have arrived to showcase their brilliance) and social media campaign #DikhayengeApnaJalwa, the campaign captures the excitement, celebrating the heroes who shine.

Bringing together the league’s global stature and the participation of marquee T20 cricketing talent, the league offers viewers a chance to witness the players pushing their limits to emerge victorious in one of the toughest cricket leagues.

Australian cricket David Warner said, “It is an incredible honour to be part of such an engaging campaign for one of the most fiercely competitive T20 leagues in the world. This campaign offers a glimpse of the thrilling experience fans can expect when they tune in to watch the tournament. Like last season, we are confident that the league will deliver an unparalleled, immersive experience for cricket enthusiasts everywhere”

West Indies all-rounder Jason Holder further added, “It is a privilege to be a part of such an exciting campaign that brings together the global passion for cricket. The new edition of the tournament promises great competition and memorable moments for fans and I’m excited to be a part of this marquee tournament.”

The franchise-style tournament with six teams will be played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include 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). Cricket fans can watch this action-packed event on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 15 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – ZEE5.

Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd, chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “We are delighted with the launch of this campaign that highlights the cultural vibrancy of UAE as a backdrop for this marquee global sporting event. By featuring renowned cricketers like David Warner and Jason Holder alongside talented actors Deven Bhojani and Anand Tiwari, we aim to engage our audience and provide world-class entertainment. By introducing more channels to showcase the tournament, we aim to create an innovative and immersive experience that resonates with cricket fans across the globe.”

ILT20 CEO David White added, “The inclusion of international stars such as David Warner and Jason Holder in our promotional and marketing strategies is reflective of our mission to elevate upcoming edition on a global scale. Their presence not only signifies a competitive tournament but also highlights the shared passion for cricket that transcends borders. We are extremely excited to invite fans at the upcoming edition which will provide unforgettable memories.”

Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in Season 3, including Australian powerhouse, David Warner and Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka. They will be joined by West Indian legends like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard and Rovman Powell, who will bring their dynamic all-round abilities to the tournament. The league will also feature some more talents from the previous seasons, including Sikandar Raza, Chris Jordan, James Vince, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas Pooran. Other key retained players include, Kusal Mendis and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can watch the LIVE action exclusively on ZEE’s 15 linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5 and its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world. Aiming to capture a viewership of 230-million for the upcoming season, ZEE will expand its reach by including South Indian channels, offering a month-long cricket carnival experience. The month long tournament will begin on 11 January 2025, with final to be played on Sunday, 9 February 2025.

November 30, 2024
ZEE Entertainment scales up DP World ILT20 goals

Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd, content and entertainment powerhouse and the official broadcasting partner of the global cricket league, DP World International League T20 (ILT20), has unveiled its plans for an exciting third season, set to take place from 11 January 2025. The 34-match tournament will run for a month and culminate on 9 February 2025. The plans include creating a memorable month-long cricket carnival experience for cricket lovers, especially from India, expanding its viewership base by including South Indian channels and targeting 230 million viewership in the upcoming league. Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can exclusively watch the LIVE action on ZEE Entertainment’s 15 linear channels as well as stream it for free on its OTT platform ZEE5, every evening.

As the third season approaches, ZEE Entertainment promises to deliver captivating action engagingly and dynamically across its linear channels and OTT platform, ZEE5. Commenting upon this announcement, Zee Entertainment Enterprise Ltd chief growth officer – digital & broadcast revenue Ashish Sehgal said, “We aim to offer our cricket lovers a sporting carnival experience that combines high-class cricket at a comfortable, luxurious venue. This month-long event will offer an innovative and immersive experience for cricket fans across the globe. We are particularly focused on inviting Indian travellers to visit Dubai, offering them a chance to enjoy cricket in the UAE. This event also allows advertisers to connect with their premium customers and promote their premium brands.”

Talking about the tournament known to be the second-most popular league outside of the Indian Premier League (IPL), DP World ILT20 CEO David White said, “Firstly, the uniqueness of the DP World ILT20 lies in the fact that we can have nine international players vis-à-vis the standard four. What also sets ILT20 apart from other leagues is that it does not have a home-and-away format. With three venues – Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi every team feels at home. We need to cultivate strong team loyalty now. The UAE as a destination boasts of fantastic stadiums, ideal weather in the early part of the year and a comfortable environment for players. The Emirati people are renowned for their warm hospitality, welcoming visitors from around the world. The presence of top players from international teams lends an international flavour to the event. We are working closely with ZEE to establish Dubai as a premier sporting destination and are open to considering an alternative window to make sure that there is no clash in the future.”

DP World ILT20, in its second season, drew an impressive 200,000 attendees across over 30 games. The league is the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, with a total of 348 million unique viewers from around the world, including a staggering 221 million viewers from India. This success was fueled by ZEE Network’s broadcasting strategy, which leveraged a combination of ZEE’s 10 Linear TV Channels and its OTT Platform ZEE5. With a notable 46 per cent share of female viewership and 55 per cent share of youth viewership, the league’s broad appeal in India underscores its status as household entertainment.

The tournament is aiming for an even larger audience in its third season, targeting 230 million viewers. The strategies being employed to increase its footprints are multifaceted, focusing on the Indian market, which includes cricket lovers, advertisers, and the addition of South Indian channels.

The matches generated a massive response last season from markets like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat and Maharashtra. This year the tournament’s on-air promotion will take place across 40 channels. DP World ILT20 Season 3 will also focus on South Indian channels as part of its strategy to expand viewership.

The league plans to announce new signings next month on 15th September. The existing roster continues to be strong with the presence of players like Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, David Warner, Jack Fraser McGurk and Shimron Hetmyer, among others. The league, on the whole, boasts of 60,000 registered cricketers.

The franchise-style tournament DP World IPL T20, comprises six teams and 34 matches that are played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams feature 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).

August 29, 2024
ZEE Entertainment to broadcast DP World ILT20 Season 3, live on TV & ZEE5

Mumbai: Season three of the DP World International League T20 will begin from Saturday, 11 January 2025. The 34-match tournament will run for a month with the final to be played on Sunday, 9 February 2025.

Season two of DP World International League T20 (ILT20) was the second most-watched T20 cricket league globally, with a total of 348 million unique viewers from around the world. Cricket fans and sports enthusiasts in India and around the world can exclusively watch the LIVE action on ZEE’s linear TV channels, OTT platform ZEE5 and on its syndicate partners’ TV and digital networks across the world.

The season three announcement comes at the back of a hugely successful season two (2024) which concluded with the MI Emirates lifting the iconic DP World ILT20 trophy played at Dubai International Stadium on 17 February 2024.

The 34-match event will be played at the three iconic UAE cricket venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah – starting from 11 January 2025 to 9 February, 2025. Fans can watch this action-packed event on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed linear TV channels and on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – ZEE5.

The franchise-style tournament with six teams and 34 matches will be played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include 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 played in Season 2, including David Warner, Nicholas Pooran, Matheesha Pathirana, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Tim David, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

The deep distribution and disruptive marketing strategy for the third season aims to further enhance the league’s reach and ensure widespread viewership, emphasizing ILT20’s appeal to a broad and diverse audience. In the previous season, the league achieved a remarkable reach of over 221 million across India. The event will be broadcast in Hindi and English commentary. ZEE5 will offer Live free-to-view streaming of the 34 cricket matches, aimed at bolstering cricket viewership in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. This move represents a commitment to making cricket more accessible to a wider audience, thereby democratizing the experience of sports viewing in the region.

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) chief growth officer – ad sales Ashish Sehgal, “Zee is delighted to present DP World ILT20 3rd season and promises an electrifying experience to cricket fans in India and around the world. With the world’s finest players, iconic stadiums, and infrastructure and six leading sporting franchises, our goal is to build upon the previous year’s success, further solidifying the league’s stature as one of the most-widely followed cricket events in the world. In our pursuit to grow the market, we are continuously exploring innovative ways to enhance the fan experience, making it more interactive, immersive, and engaging. We are collaborating with cutting-edge technologies and creating new avenues for cricket enthusiasts to connect with the sport. As we embark on this exciting new season, our goal is to ensure that this truly-global league becomes more accessible to viewers worldwide.”

DP World ILT20 CEO David White: “We are delighted to confirm the window for DP World International League T20 Season 3. The window has been finalised after discussions with our stakeholders. We have begun our preparations for Season 3 with an aim of making the league even bigger and better. Season 2 was a massive success in terms of all relevant metrics’ and helped further strengthen the league’s reputation, making it one of the most sought after T20 leagues for players, fans and broadcasters from around the world. Having considered all aspects, the January-February window for Season 3 has turned out to be the most suitable.”

May 14, 2024
David Warner joins DP World ILT20 & Zee Entertainment for ILT20 Season 2 campaign

Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd., the leading Indian media & entertainment powerhouse, unveiled the highly anticipated marketing campaign for the second season for DP World ILT20. This season, the marketing campaign is being led by the world’s top cricketer David Warner along with Indian superstar Harbhajan Singh.

The league’s global stature and the participation of marquee T20 cricketing talent; viewers will witness the players push their limits to emerge victorious, leaving ‘no stone unturned’ as they embark upon one of the toughest cricket leagues. Positioned as the biggest challenge for the cricketers at the start of new year 2024, the campaign “Koi Kasar Nahi Chhodenge” underscores their preparation, competitiveness, and commitment to the fans. Following the success of the inaugural edition, ZEE is committed towards further strengthening the league’s appeal for viewers and partners alike.

Slated to be the biggest T20 cricketing event at the beginning year 2024; the league features a roster of the most talented and celebrated international T20 cricketers. The 34-match event will be played at the three iconic cricketing destinations – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah – starting from 19 January, 2024 until 17 February, 2024.

Speaking at the campaign launch, Australian cricket star David Warner said, “As I gear up for my debut in one of the world’s most competitive T20 leagues, it’s truly an honor to be the face of this season’s marketing campaign. This campaign distinctly captures the league’s unparalleled stature and the exciting live cricketing contest viewers will enjoy over the 34 matches. It underscores the individual effort required at the world stage, with each cricketer giving their ultimate best. I am certain that the players will leave no stone unturned in their preparations ahead of the second season, as they strive to emerge victorious in the upcoming edition of the prestigious DP World ILT20.” Ace Australian cricketer David Warner is all set to make his debut in DP World ILT20, as part of the Dubai Capitals squad.

The franchise-style tournament with six teams and 34 matches is played across the UAE. The league’s six franchise teams include 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). Cricket fans can watch this action-packed event on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 10 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and on one of India’s leading OTT platforms – ZEE5.

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) president – business Rahul Johri, “We are delighted to have David Warner along with league’s ambassador and commentator Harbhajan Singh to kick off DP World ILT20 Season 2 marketing campaign. The upcoming season will truly standout as one of the most significant T20 challenges and promises to offer thrilling action for cricket enthusiasts in India and around the world. With both David Warner and Harbhajan Singh seen in distinctive new avatars, the campaign film accentuates the fiercely competitive nature of DP World ILT20. At ZEE, through both linear television and streaming platform ZEE5, we aim to bring the excitement of the game to audiences like never before.”

DP World ILT20 CEO David White said, “We are delighted to have David Warner and Harbhajan Singh in our Season 2 ad film. Warner is a fantastic cricketer and his passion for the game is well regarded around the world. Harbhajan is another great of the game, like Warner, Harbhajan has also made a big mark both as a cricketer, commentator and an entertainer. The two have done an incredible job in the ad film and I am sure that the ad film will leave a mark on cricket fans not only in India but around the world. The DP World ILT20 Season 2 will be richly entertaining for the fans, our broadcast partners Zee Network have put in an incredible effort in taking the tournament live around the world. We cannot wait for the action to begin on Friday, 19 January.”

Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in the Season 2, including David Warner, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

Following the opener in Sharjah between Sharjah Warriors and Gulf Giants on Friday, 19 January, Dubai Capitals will play MI Emirates at the Dubai International Stadium on Saturday 20 January. Last year’s runner-up Desert Vipers will open their campaign against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on Saturday at the Dubai International Stadium.

All single header matches will be broadcast live at 8 pm India prime time, starting with the pre-match presentation at 7:30 PM. The afternoon match on the double-header’s day will start at 4:00 pm.

The campaign film is produced by tiqui-taka and their founder Jigar Fernandes, who has also directed the film.

December 7, 2023
Entertainment production to stay on hiatus until mid-January: SAG-AFTRA

MUMBAI: SAG-AFTRA leaders have informed their members that most entertainment production houses will remain on hiatus through at least the middle of January. The details come a day after the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health requested the film and TV industry to consider pausing production for a few weeks during the ongoing surge in new Covid2019 cases throughout the county.

SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris and national executive director David White said, “We are closely monitoring the recent surge in Covid2019 infections along with the reported lack of intensive care unit beds throughout the state of California and particularly in Los Angeles County. This is deeply concerning to us all and we have taken immediate action to connect with our epidemiologists and public health experts regarding the surge in cities across the nation.”

Production of films and TV shows will stay on hiatus until the second or third week of January if not later. This means that the number of its member performers working on sets right now will be reduced. They stressed adherence to safety protocols to ensure appropriate precautions for the holiday hiatus period, including additional time for testing prior to the resumption of production.

“To ensure the utmost safety, we are in close contact with our sister unions and guilds, the industry, our expert epidemiologists, industrial sanitation specialists, public health officials, member leaders and staff. We remain focused on ensuring the safest possible work environment and protocols for SAG-AFTRA members,” Carteris and White stated.

They added that SAG-AFTRA will continue to monitor the situation and its impact on production and employment in all contract areas, and take appropriate measures as needed to ensure the continued safety of members and others.

In the meantime, studios have been urged to remain vigilant and adhere to the safety principles to protect themselves, their families, communities and colleagues.

December 30, 2020
Star Sports bags New Zealand cricket rights

MUMBAI: Star Sports has acquired the broadcast and digital rights for New Zealand Cricket for all men’s and women’s international matches being organised in New Zealand for the next three years for the Indian subcontinent and South-East Asia.

India is expected to play a total of three Tests, 10 ODIs, and three T20s during this period in that country.

The first tournament to be broadcast under Star Sports’ partnership with New Zealand Cricket will be West Indies’ tour of New Zealand beginning from 1 December 2017. The partnership will see many high-octane international series, including a resurgent Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand and the much-anticipated tri series between Australia, New Zealand, and England in early 2018, being broadcast on Star Sports’ rich bouquet of offerings.

A Star India spokesperson said, “Star Sports is proud to become the home for New Zealand Cricket in India. In recent years, the New Zealand cricket team has delivered a strong performance on the field, taking it to number one in the T20 rankings. With two India tours to New Zealand over the next two years, Indian sports fans are in for very exciting cricket on Star Sports.”

New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White said, “We’re delighted to form this partnership with Star, India’s leading sports broadcaster, and a market-leader in the industry. It’s great to be aligned with such go-ahead, progressive broadcasters, well known for their innovative approach, and for putting fans and businesses first.”

November 7, 2017
Sporty Solutionz signs multi-year media rights deal with New Zealand Cricket

MUMBAI: Sporty Solutionz has signed a multi-year media rights deal with New Zealand Cricket. The deal enables Sporty Solutionz to sub-license New Zealand Cricket rights until 2016 and 2017 in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other parts of the sub-continent outside India. This will involve all cricket hosted by New Zealand Cricket during the 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.

During the period of the contract, New Zealand Cricket will play host to eight international series, including three visits from Pakistan, two from Sri Lanka, and a visit each from Bangladesh, Australia and the West Indies.

Sporty Solutionz’s chief executive officer Ashish Chadha rates the new relationship as extremely valuable. “We are proud to be associated with New Zealand Cricket,” said Chadha and added, “We are confident of broadcasting the action to previously unexplored territories to ensure the best reach for cricket played in New Zealand.”

“Of the eight series NZC will host during the period of our contract, six will involve teams from the sub-continent: Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh – all of which play exciting cricket. On average, one of these teams will be playing every six months in New Zealand over the next three years – and I’m sure cricket lovers in the sub-continent are going to witness some exciting encounters,” he highlighted.

NZC chief executive officer David White welcomed the agreement and said he was looking forward to working with Sporty Solutionz over the term of the contract period.

“The next three seasons are shaping up as an exciting time for New Zealand Cricket and the Blackcaps, and we’re delighted to have Sporty Solutionz as a media rights partner,” said White.

“At a time when the Blackcaps are making excellent progress as an international team, this new partnership will ensure their exposure to an ever-increasing media audience,” added White.

January 12, 2015
SONY SIX bags the exclusive rights to the New Zealand – India cricket Series

MUMBAI: SONY SIX, India’s premier sports and entertainment channel has acquired the exclusive broadcast rights to the New Zealand vs India cricket series. The series will be held in New Zealand and is scheduled from the 19th January 2014 to the 18th February 2014. The 30 day tour starts with five ODIs followed by two Test Matches.

Commenting on this acquisition, Mr. N.P Singh, CEO, MSM said, “We are delighted to partner New Zealand Cricket as the official broadcaster to this series. With this acquisition we are staying true to our objective of delivering high octane sporting events. Sony SIX viewers can now look forward to some of the best cricketing action from two of the most stellar cricket teams in the world.”

Mr. Prasana Krishnan, Business Head, SONY SIX, said, “We are delighted to have this series come our way early into the New Year. Through this acquisition we will give our viewers direct action to one of the most awaited cricket series in 2014. Both New Zealand and India play exciting brand of cricket and we are thrilled to be the exclusive partner to this promising series.”

Mr. David White, CEO, New Zealand Cricket, said, “We are delighted to partner with Sony SIX for the series. India is home to the most passionate and dedicated cricket fans, and with Sony SIX as partners for the series, we are assured to reach out to the fans in the best manner.”

The India tour of New Zealand 2014 bilateral series is a part of the Future Cricket Tour Program (FTP) prepared by International Cricket Council (ICC). This is the first series for the Indian team in the 2014 calendar. The two teams last met in New Zealand five years back in 2009 where India were able to register a series win in New Zealand after 41 years.

Sony SIX, India’s Premier Sports Entertainment Channel is owned and operated by MSM India. The company is well known to exclusively broadcast some of the world’s largest as well as renowned international sporting properties like The Pepsi IPL, UEFA EURO 2016, Qualifiers for UEFA EURO 2016 and the European Qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2018, The Australian Open, TNA, The NBA and The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Since its inception, the channel has successfully managed to target the youth of India through a mix of sports and entertainment.

January 9, 2014