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Tag: ICC

  • Stan teams up with Fancraze to revolutionise cricket fandom

    Stan teams up with Fancraze to revolutionise cricket fandom

    MUMBAI: Gaming community startup Stan, backed by Nazara, has announced a strategic partnership with Fancraze, the creator of ICC Crictos Superteam. This collaboration will integrate Fancraze’s licensed digital collectibles from the International Cricket Council (ICC) with Stan’s interactive community-driven platform, offering cricket enthusiasts an innovative way to engage with the sport.

    This first-of-its-kind alliance will provide fans with dynamic experiences, including live audio rooms, influencer-led communities, quests, and VIP events. By blending digital ownership with interactive social elements, the partnership aims to deepen fans’ connection to cricket through exclusive and immersive activities.

    Stan founder & CEO Parth Chadha stated, “Cricket and gaming are more than just entertainment in India—they are a way of life. At Stan, we have built India’s largest online gaming community, and our collaboration with Fancraze will create an electrifying hub where users can play, compete, and celebrate cricket like never before. This will bring fans closer to the action, excitement, and rewards in an unprecedented way.”

    Fancraze founder & CEO Anshum Bhambri added, “We are thrilled to join forces with Stan to introduce a fresh and innovative experience for our users. By merging digital ownership with social gamification, we are elevating fandom to new heights. This partnership is a significant step towards creating a more interactive and immersive space for cricket enthusiasts.”

    This collaboration marks a new era in cricket fan engagement, leveraging technology to transform the way supporters connect with the game and its players.

  • JioStar hits it out of the park with planned Champions Trophy 2025 coverage

    JioStar hits it out of the park with planned Champions Trophy 2025 coverage

    MUMBAI: The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is set for a return, and JioStar Network is pulling out all the stops to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience. From 19 February 2025, cricket fans will witness the world’s top eight teams battle it out with cutting-edge broadcast innovations across television and digital platforms.

    JioHotStar will be  offering live streaming in 16 feeds across nine languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Haryanvi, Bengali, Bhojpuri, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. This marks the first-ever ICC tournament to be streamed at such a scale, ensuring cricket fans across India can enjoy the action in their preferred language. Additionally, four multi-cam feeds on JioHotstar will provide a fresh perspective on the high-voltage encounters.

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    On TV, JioStar Network will offer extensive coverage across Star Sports and Sports18 channels, delivering commentary in English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Indian Sign Language feed and Audio Descriptive Commentary will also return on JioHotstar, making the tournament more accessible and inclusive for all fans.

    JioStar head of content–sports Siddharth Sharma said, “The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 will be presented with an unprecedented range of viewing options. Our expansive linear television network and dominant digital presence will bring cricket deeper, wider, and in a more immersive way than ever before. Every cricket fan, regardless of language or accessibility preference, will have a front-row seat to the action.”

    A galaxy of cricketing legends will lend their expertise to JioStar’s coverage, making every match an engaging experience. English commentary will be helmed by Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Nasser Hussain, Matthew Hayden, Ian Bishop, Wasim Akram, Ramiz Raja, Simon Doull, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock, and Aaron Finch.

    The Hindi panel includes Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Waqar Younis, Sanjay Manjrekar, Ambati Rayudu, Robin Uthappa, Mohammad Kaif, Piyush Chawla, Sanjay Bangar, Aakash Chopra, and Deep Dasgupta.

    For regional language coverage, renowned names such as Hanuma Vihari, Venkatesh Prasad, Kedar Jadhav, and Shreevats Goswami will add flavour to the commentary, ensuring fans across India get expert analysis in their native tongue.

    The tournament kicks off on 19 February 2025 with Pakistan facing New Zealand in the opener. India, led by Rohit Sharma, begins its campaign against Bangladesh on February 20, before the much-anticipated India-Pakistan showdown on 23 February 2025. The final is slated for 9 March 2025.

    (Picture courtesy ICC)

  • ICC unveils Atif Aslam’s anthem for Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

    ICC unveils Atif Aslam’s anthem for Men’s Champions Trophy 2025

    MUMBAI : The International Cricket Council (ICC) has dropped the official anthem for the 2025 Men’s Champions Trophy Jeeto Baazi Khel Ke with Atif Aslam lending his powerful vocals to the track. A fusion of cricketing passion and Pakistani culture, the song sets the tone for the high-stakes tournament kicking off in less than two weeks.

    With just 12 days remaining until the highly anticipated tournament, the song’s release adds to the growing excitement ahead of the 15-match event, set to take place from 19 February to 9 March across Pakistan and the UAE.

    Produced by Abdullah Siddiqui, with lyrics by Adnan Dhool and Asfandyar Asad, the track is a vibrant celebration of Pakistan’s rich culture, showcasing its streets, markets, and stadiums. The accompanying music video highlights the nation’s deep-rooted passion for cricket. The song is now available on major streaming platforms worldwide.

    Fans can still secure tickets for the tournament online or through select physical outlets in Pakistan. Tickets for the Final, scheduled for Sunday, 9 March, will be available following the first semi-final in Dubai.

    The competition will feature the world’s top eight teams battling in 15 high-intensity matches over 19 days, with every encounter crucial in the quest for the coveted white jackets.

    Expressing his excitement, Aslam said: “I have always been passionate about cricket and once aspired to be a fast bowler. Understanding the emotions of the game, especially during an India-Pakistan clash, makes this opportunity particularly special for me.”

    ICC chief commercial officer Anurag Dahiya added: “With just days to go, the official song embodies the spirit of the Champions Trophy and Pakistan’s cricketing identity. We encourage fans to secure their tickets and be part of this celebration.”

    Tournament director and PCB chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed hailed the song’s release as another milestone in the build-up to the global event. “Aslam, a powerhouse of Pakistani music, has delivered blockbuster anthems before, and we believe this song will set the stage alight. As excitement builds, we anticipate packed stadiums and an electric atmosphere.”

  • ICC enlists Prabhakaran Thanraj as VP-commercial & operations

    ICC enlists Prabhakaran Thanraj as VP-commercial & operations

    MUMBAI: Prabhakaran Thanraj has reasons to be pleased. He’s just been appointed as the  vice-president – commercial & operations at the apex global cricket administrative  body – The International Cricket Council based in Dubai. For three years he was at the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), first as head of events & commercial, then being promoted as general manager – events and commercial in 2024..

    At the ACC, along with the team, he helped monetise the Women’s Asia Cup, a 70 per cent higher value from Sony Pictures Networks India for the ACC  media rights for the 2024-2031 cycle.

    Prabha, as he is called by colleagues, began his career as a signage and branding coordinator at IMG Reliance for the Aircel Chennai Open from 2009-2012. It was onto the desk as a graphic designer for around two years with Cognizant Technology and hew switched to IMG Reliance as a graphic designer for a year. It was here that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) spotted him and hired him as sponsorship manager for the Champions League 2013 and 2014. IMG  Reliance once again lured him away as assistant sponsorship manager and he stayed put there for almost four years.

    And then came the shift to the ACC which was a huge leap for Prabha. But he has proved himself. Today, he has a track record driving revenue through strategic partnerships, managing high-impact events, and leading successful marketing campaigns. And he is known for guiding teams, maximising brand impact, and advancing the sport’s reach on an international scale.

    The ICC congratulated him and wishes him all the best for his innings with them. We, at indiantelevision.com,  are sure Prabha will negotiate the googlies  as well as the short-pitched deliveries well. And even pull some of them over mid-wicket for a six.

  • Abhishek Bachchan joins as co-owner of European T20 Premier League

    Abhishek Bachchan joins as co-owner of European T20 Premier League

    MUMBAI: In the sprawling galaxy of Bollywood, where stars burn bright and fade faster, Abhishek Bachchan’s journey has been anything but conventional.

    Born to the towering icon of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek’s life was destined to be compared, scrutinized, and, at times, unfairly dismissed. While his cinematic exploits didn’t always light up the box office, his off-screen ventures have cemented his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur with a penchant for turning opportunities into gold.

    The “failed” actor narrative has followed him like a shadow, an unwelcome companion on a path littered with average box office returns and harsh critics. But Abhishek, the perennial underdog, quietly chiseled away at his destiny, crafting a legacy that his detractors couldn’t ignore.

    Today, with a net worth of Rs 280 crore, he has proven that success doesn’t always need a film camera—it can shine just as brightly in the boardroom, the stadium, or even a luxury car showroom.

    When Bollywood failed to give him the box-office accolades his lineage seemed to promise, Abhishek found his calling elsewhere. His ventures now span real estate, sports, and even luxury automobiles, painting a portrait of a man who refuses to be boxed in by societal expectations.

    Among his prized investments are two champion teams across two of India’s most beloved sports. Chennaiyin FC, his Indian Super League (ISL) football team, is valued at Rs 29.8 crore, a testament to the growing popularity of football in cricket-crazed India. On the other hand, his Pro Kabaddi League team, valued at Rs 100 crore, exemplifies his eye for high-growth opportunities in sports.

    As if his track record wasn’t impressive enough, the son of Bollywood royalty has now added another feather to his entrepreneurial cap—a stake in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL). This ICC-sanctioned cricket extravaganza, set to debut in July 2025, promises to bring a fresh flavor to the gentleman’s game with teams from cities like Dublin, Edinburgh, and Amsterdam.

    It’s a savvy move for the man who seems to have an uncanny knack for betting on winners, whether it’s a Pro kabaddi team, a football club, or now, a cricket league poised to capture Europe’s imagination. And this latest venture comes just in time to capitalise on the ICC’s official recognition of the league, adding another layer of prestige to the tournament and, of course, to its newest co-owner.

    Bachchan expressed his excitement, saying, “Cricket is not just a sport; it’s a unifying force that transcends boundaries. With cricket being included in the 2028 Olympics, its popularity will further surge. I’m humbled and excited about this unique collaboration between the cricket boards of Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands. This is just the beginning. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and let the games begin.”

    The league’s interim working group, featuring representatives from the participating cricket boards and strategic partner Rules Sport Tech, has led the development of ETPL. This group is tasked with creating a dedicated administrative entity to oversee tournament operations.

    ETPL chair & Cricket Ireland CEO, Warren Deutrom welcomed Abhishek’s involvement, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Abhishek Bachchan as a co-owner of the ETPL. His passion for sports and entrepreneurial acumen align perfectly with our vision of elevating European cricket’s profile.”

    The tournament will commence with six franchises, with matches reaching audiences in key markets like Europe, India, Australia, and England. ETPL director, Priyanka Kaul highlighted, “Abhishek’s enthusiasm for this initiative has been invaluable. This collaboration is set to inspire young talent and provide a platform for European cricket on the global stage.”

    The ETPL has partnered with KPMG for strategic financial advisory, ensuring transparency and robust governance. Ravi Rajan Group founder, S Ravi emphasised the league’s commitment to financial integrity, stating, “Transparency and due diligence are at the core of the ETPL.”

    Cricket’s global reach continues to expand, with 34 of 108 ICC members based in Europe. ETPL director, Saurav Banerjee remarked, “Our goal is to establish cricket as a major sport in Europe, leaving a legacy for players, fans, and stakeholders.”

    A formal launch event will soon unveil franchise ownership details, team branding, and the players’ draft process. With backing from leading media partners, the ETPL is set to captivate cricket enthusiasts worldwide, offering unparalleled entertainment and fostering new talent.

    Key highlights of ETPL

    1    Dates: 15 July – 3 August 2025
    2    Teams: Dublin, Belfast, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Edinburgh, Glasgow
    3    Global Reach: Europe, India, Australia, England
    4    Partnerships: ICC sanction, Rules Sport Tech, KPMG advisory
    5    Focus: Talent development, fan engagement, financial transparency

    Critics may still label him a failed film star, but Bachchan’s story is one of quiet defiance—a refusal to be pigeonholed by the weight of his last name or the expectations of an industry that thrives on comparisons.

    Today, as the ETPL prepares to roll out its maiden season, the spotlight is once again on Abhishek. But this time, it’s not as a Bollywood star struggling to escape his father’s shadow. It’s as a visionary entrepreneur who’s carving his own path, one smart investment at a time. 

  • European T20 Premier League gets ICC nod

    European T20 Premier League gets ICC nod

    MUMBAI: There’s one more international T20 cricket league coming the way of fans of the willow. And it’s coming from where else, Europe, the one bunch of cricket playing nations,  that had been left out of the action. so far. 

    Called the European T20 Premier League  (ETPL) it is to be held from 15 July to 3 August 2025. The league got the sanction from cricket’s global ruling body the International Cricket Council on 4 January.

    The ETPL is a privately-owned franchise tournament with a unique twist – it is a partnership between three cricket nations – Ireland (Cricket Ireland), Scotland  (Cricket Scotland) and the Netherlands (Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond – KNCB). This collaborative approach gives the ETPL  a true European feel and will feature the best talent from those three nations playing alongside some of the best talent from around the world.

    The three cricketing boards  had tried to put together a tournament called the Euro T20 Slam in March 2019 but it had failed to take off. Not even one season was held. Hence, the trio are being a lot more careful now. They have put together an interim working group with a representative from each of them, strategic partner Rules Sport Tech, on behalf of the funding partners,  to guide decision making and oversee the  creation of a new administrative body to run the event. Cricket Ireland  chief executive Warren Deutrom has been elected chair of the interim working group. 

    Said  Deutrom:  “We are delighted to confirm the ICC sanction of the ETPL and agreements are now in place across the joint venture partners. This is an important day in the development of the event, as it effectively fires the starting pistol on work around three important areas – franchise ownership, broadcast and the player draft. These are exciting times for cricket in Europe, and for local cricket fans, as we showcase some of the best cricket talent from Europe and around the world.”

    A formal launch of the tournament and further details will be provided in due course, he added. 

  • Jay Shah begins tenure as ICC chair

    Jay Shah begins tenure as ICC chair

    MUMBAI: Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) honorary secretary Jay Shah began his tenure as chair of the International Cricket Conference on 1 December.  

    Said Shah in a press release issued by ICC: “I am honoured to be starting in the role of ICC chair and want to thank the ICC directors and member boards for their support and trust in me to undertake this important role.

    “This is an exciting time for the sport as we build up to the LA28 Olympic Games and strive to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before. We also stand at a critical juncture in terms of the coexistence of multiple formats and accelerating the growth of the women’s game. There is huge potential for the game of cricket globally, with so much opportunity to engage with existing and new fans, while ensuring the best resources and platforms for our cricketers around the world.

    “I would also like to thank Greg Barclay for his leadership in the role for the past four years and the milestones achieved during that period. I look forward to working closely with the ICC team and the member countries to sustainably expand the game’s reach and evolution on the global stage.”

    Shah like the cricketers – who his organization governs – who  notch up records match after match has  got quite a few records under his hat himself.

    One of the youngest members of the Gujarat Cricket Association. The youngest ever honorary secretary of the BCCI. ). And  in August 2024  the 36 year old Jay Shah added  another feather to his hat: the youngest ever chairperson of the International Cricket Conference.  Shah was unanimously elected as the ICC chair – as he was the sole nominee –  succeeding New Zealand’s Greg Barclay, who was in the role from November 2020. 

    Shah has built his reputation as a great administrator. While at the BCCI, he helped take Indian cricket to newer heights with key accomplishments such as record-breaking IPL media rights deal, creation of the Women’s Premier League, creation of new state-of-the-art centre of excellence, test cricket incentive scheme and more. He has also played important roles in world cricket as the president of the Asian Cricket Council and as chair of the ICC’s finance and commercial affairs committee.

     

    Picture: ICC website

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • IndusInd Bank offers unique cricket fan experience with Anthem Buddies at ICC T20 World Cup 2024

    IndusInd Bank offers unique cricket fan experience with Anthem Buddies at ICC T20 World Cup 2024

    Mumbai: IndusInd Bank as a part of its association with ICC for the second year in a row, leveraged the premium Anthem Buddies programme at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in USA and West Indies. Through this program, the bank had provided an opportunity to all cricket enthusiasts to access a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for their children to accompany the teams walking out onto the field for the national anthems.  

    In order to expand the ambit of opportunity to a larger audience for the Anthem Buddies program, IndusInd Bank had rolled out a contest on its digital platforms, wherein the parents had to submit the response for participation.  From the entries received through the social media contest, select entries were chosen by the jury basis the uniqueness of the Cricket slogans that were filled by the parents submitting the entries.  

    IndusInd Bank had collaborated with ICC for the Anthem Buddies program even for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 wherein they had received an overwhelming response and created memorable moments for 1440 children and their respective parents over 48 matches across 10 Indian cities fostering a sense of shared enthusiasm for the sport.

    IndusInd Bank head – consumer banking and marketing Soumitra Sen, said: “At IndusInd Bank, we believe in the power of sports to unite communities and inspire the next generation.  After the overwhelming success of the Anthem Buddies Programme during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, we were pleased to be able to anchor this again. Through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Anthem Buddies programme, we aim to create lasting memories for parents and their children, offering them a unique opportunity to stand alongside their cricketing heroes and create an unforgettable experience.”

    ICC chief commercial officer, Anurag Dahiya, said: “ICC events provide numerous opportunities for brands to engage with their audiences and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Anthem Buddies Programme is a standout brand activation initiative. Walking out alongside the world’s best cricketers is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We saw its tremendous success in India in 2023, and it is as impactful right now in the West Indies and USA.”

    Some of the parents of the kids who were part of IndusInd Bank’s Anthem Buddies program, were exhilarated to share their experience as follows:

    Ganesh Narayanan, a customer of IndusInd Bank and parent of Pranav Ganesh, shares his experience for his son being part of the Anthem Buddies program, “Immense gratitude to the Bank for this unforgettable experience for giving my son an opportunity to walk, meet and hold hands with his cricket heroes. Goosebumps till date.”

    Alpesh Patel, a customer of IndusInd Bank and parent of Tej Patel, shares experience of his son being part of the Anthem Buddies program, “We are grateful for the opportunity provided by the IndusInd Bank Anthem Buddies Program. Our son was thrilled to pair up with a player from the Indian cricket team and stand on the field for the national anthem for the India vs. USA match. This program is a wonderful initiative that creates lifelong memories and fosters a strong sense of national pride. Thank you, IndusInd Bank and the organizers, for this unforgettable experience!”

    Suresh Pasumarty, customer of IndusInd Bank, cricket fan and parent of Pranav Tejas Pasumarty, shares his experience of his son being part of Anthem Buddies program, “We are thankful to IndusInd Bank for providing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to our kids to meet the cricketers and walk with them for the National Anthem ceremony. This will be a moment that will always be cherished by the kid.”

  • Disney-Star India’s ICC World Cup telecast sets new records

    Disney-Star India’s ICC World Cup telecast sets new records

    Mumbai: India’s main strike bowler Mohammed Shami was breathing fire as he charged in and bowled an unplayable delivery to New Zealand tailender Lockie Ferguson which the latter edged to KL Rahul behind the stumps. In the process, he set a record by capturing seven wickets for 57 runs, the most by any Indian bowler. And a roar went up in Mumbai’s Wankhede stadium where the semi-final of the ICC One Day World Cup was being played out. The Indian cricket side led by Rohit Sharma had got through to the finals of the championship, which many a pundit had predicted it would, by bowling out a fighting New Zealand side for 327 runs against their total of 397 for four.

    Even as Shami was running amock on the field of play, executives at Disney Star India’s offices were also celebrating. Its streaming service Disney+Hotstar had a notched up a record by registering  53 million concurrent viewers at peak. A world record, it beat the earlier 44 million concurrent viewership record that Disney + Hotstar had set during the match between India and South Africa.  

    The peak concurrency for the India-New Zealand semi-final fluctuated between 50 million and 53 million as Bumrah scalped Glenn Phillis, Kuldeep outfoxed Mark Chapman, Mohammed Siraj snapped up Mitchell Santner, and Shami got the better of the centurion Daryl Mitchell, Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson to take India into the finals.

    Thankfully, for India’s leading broadcast and streaming network the match ran its course which more than allowed it to fulfill its obligations to its on-air advertising and sponsor partners. Some of the earlier fixtures that the very dominating Indian side had played had ended early and Disney Star India had then reportedly chosen to make good some of the air time to its advertiser partners.

    For Disney Star India, the ICC World Cup should prove a matchwinner in terms of revenues. With India now in the finals, which is to be held on 19 November in Ahmedabad, new viewership records are likely to be set. Programming around the finals and India’s chances on lifting the trophy is likely to be pumped up, advertising inventory created – which could sell at a premium. It’s quite possible that more advertisers could snap up FCT on the channel which again will sell at a premium.

    Speaking at an ICC conference Cricket Matters on 14 November in Mumbai’s St Regis Hotel, its sports head Sanjog Gupta was pleased as punch.

    “We have had 450 million viewers on TV in just the first 34 matches, of the ICC one Day World Cup” he said. “That’s more viewers than the top three entertainment channels combined on the sports event.  We had a peak concurrency of 80 million  on our TV channels  in the 12 languages we telecast and 44 million on our streaming service. We have generated a buoyancy in the festive season with advertising spending up 40 per cent. 45-50 new category advertisers have come on to the World Cup. We have had a 20 per cent growth in terms of time spent viewing by viewers over 2019. ”

    Not just Gupta, but even Disney Star country manager and president K Madhavan had a beaming wide smile on his face at the semi-final’s post-match presentation. Madhavan presented the man of the match award to Shami.

    The success of the ICC World Cup event should result in some soul searching in Burbank, the Walt Disney Co’s hq.  The company has been looking for a partner for its India business ever since CEO Bob Iger earlier this year expressed that the low ARPUs, weak advertising, heavy subscriber churn and skyrocketing sports rights costs were eroding the company’s bottom line. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio has been reported to be among the front runners for the partnership.

    Iger apparently seemed to have softened his stance – compared to earlier in the year – during the mouse house’s fourth-quarter earnings call for FY2023 on 8 November 2023 when questioned about what he intended to do with the India business.

    “…in India, our linear business actually does quite well. Yes, it’s making money. But we know that other parts of that business are challenged for us and for others. And we are looking, I’ll call it, extensively,” Iger had responded.  “I know I’ve said this before, it always gets me in trouble. But we’re considering our options there. We have an opportunity to strengthen our hand. It is now maybe the most populous country in the world or maybe just still second to China and about to pass them. We’d like to stay in that market. But we’re also looking to see whether we can strengthen our hand obviously, improve the bottom line.”

    With the World Cup shaping up the way it has for Disney Star India in terms of viewership and new advertisers, some of that may hopefully end up showing up in the shape of a much better bottom line. And hopefully keep Iger and investors in a better frame of mind.