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Tag: Indian Premier League

  • No more ‘gutka’ with the game? BCCI faces heat over surrogate ads

    No more ‘gutka’ with the game? BCCI faces heat over surrogate ads

    MUMBAI: Cricket might be a game of glorious uncertainties, but one thing the Union Health Ministry wants to be absolutely certain about is a tobacco-free Indian Premier League (IPL). In a major crackdown ahead of the tournament’s 22 March 2025 kickoff, the ministry has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ban all forms of tobacco and alcohol advertising, particularly surrogate promotions by gutka manufacturers endorsed by Bollywood celebrities and former cricketers.

    The ministry’s directive comes after a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Vital Strategies, published in the British Medical Journal, which found that 41.3 per cent of all smokeless tobacco (SLT) surrogate ads in 2023 were displayed during the last 17 matches of the Cricket World Cup. These ads, often disguised as ‘elaichi’ mouth freshener promotions, allow tobacco brands to sidestep advertising bans while maintaining high visibility.

    In a letter dated 5 March 2025 to IPL chairman Arun Singh Dhumal and the BCCI, Director General of Health Services Atul Goel called for a blanket ban on tobacco and alcohol advertising across stadiums, related events, and national TV broadcasts. The ministry has also recommended that sports authorities discourage players, commentators, and stakeholders from endorsing tobacco-linked brands, either directly or indirectly.

    The letter stressed that cricketers are role models for millions, and the IPL, India’s largest sporting spectacle, has a moral responsibility to support public health initiatives. Goel pointed out that tobacco and alcohol consumption are leading contributors to India’s non-communicable disease (NCD) burden, with cardiovascular ailments, cancer, lung disease, diabetes, and hypertension accounting for over 70 per cent of annual deaths. India ranks second in global tobacco-related fatalities, with nearly 1.4 million deaths per year, while alcohol remains the country’s most widely used psychoactive substance.

    Despite strict advertising restrictions, India’s alcohol and tobacco industries continue to wield influence through high-profile sporting events like the IPL. The alco-bev market, currently worth Rs 1.7 trillion, is projected to touch Rs 5 trillion by FY28, while the tobacco sector is set to generate 14 billion dollors in revenue by 2025, according to Statista. However, with increasing government scrutiny, companies are expected to cut brand extension ad spends by 20-30 per cent, reports Financial Express.

    The crackdown isn’t limited to cricket. India became the first country to extend tobacco advertising prohibitions to OTT platforms from 1 September 2023. Now, new proposals seek to mandate non-skippable 30-second anti-tobacco health warnings on streaming content featuring tobacco use.

    With the IPL just weeks away, the big question remains: Will the BCCI enforce a ban on surrogate ads in stadiums and broadcasts? If implemented, this move could significantly impact brand visibility for tobacco and alcohol manufacturers while reinforcing cricket’s commitment to public health.

    For now, it’s game on for stricter regulations, but whether the IPL will play ball remains to be seen.

  • Birla Opus eyes expansion as paint industry newcomer makes its mark

    Birla Opus eyes expansion as paint industry newcomer makes its mark

    MUMBAI: Birla Opus, the fast-growing paint brand from Aditya Birla Group, is focusing on expanding its dealer network and widening its product portfolio for fiscal year 2026, according to CEO Rakshit Hargave.

    The brand, which entered the decorative paints segment in February 2024, has achieved high single-digit growth in FY 2025 despite being operational for only about 10 months. Hargave expects similar momentum to continue in the coming year.

    “There is a long journey ahead of us. We do not expect any major change in our strategy,” Hargave told the Press Trust of India. “We will drive more throughput for dealers and increase the range available at dealers.”

    Birla Opus is rapidly establishing its market presence. The company recently commercialised its fifth manufacturing plant in Mahad, Maharashtra, bringing its total installed capacity to 1,096 million liters per annum. A sixth plant in Kharagpur is scheduled to begin trial production in the next quarter, which will add another 236 million liters of capacity.

    Aditya Birla Group has invested Rs 10,000 crore in the paint business and aims to capture a double-digit market share and generate gross revenue of Rs 10,000 crore within three years of full-scale operations.

    Birla Opus has employed a multi-pronged marketing approach to establish its brand presence in a competitive market dominated by industry veterans. The company’s advertising campaigns—Naye Zamane ka Naya Paint (New Paint for a New Era) and Make Life Beautiful—have reportedly reached over 70 crore Indians, garnering positive responses across markets.

    The paint manufacturer has strategically positioned itself as a major sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL), one of India’s most-watched sporting events. The cricket tournament, which airs on the JioStar network of sports channels and JioHotstar streaming platform from 22 March, gives Birla Opus significant visibility among its target audience

    To enhance customer experience, Birla Opus is opening 10 Paint Studios across major Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad. The first such studio was recently launched in Gurugram.
    “The purpose of these studios is to provide a one-stop-shop experience for the end consumer,” explained Hargave.

    Currently, Birla Opus offers 145+ products and 1,200+ SKUs across water-based paints, enamel paints, wood finishes, waterproofing solutions, and wallpapers. The brand also provides direct painting services through its PaintCraft initiative.

    As a newcomer in an industry dominated by established players like Asian Paints, Berger, and Kansai Nerolac, Birla Opus is focused on getting “many of the basics right, but at the same time, creating differentiation for the consumer in paints,” Hargave added.

    With the Indian economy expected to reach $10 trillion by 2034 and the paints sector projected to surpass Rs 3,00,000 crore by that time, Birla Opus appears well-positioned to capitalise on the country’s growing infrastructure development and housing initiatives.

  • India’s Competition Commission clears Torrent’s acquisition of Gujarat Titans

    India’s Competition Commission clears Torrent’s acquisition of Gujarat Titans

    MUMBAI:  The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved Torrent Investments Pvt Ltd’s acquisition of a controlling stake in the Gujarat Titans cricket franchise, marking a significant development in Indian Premier League ownership.

    Under the approved deal, Torrent will acquire a 67 per cent stake in Irelia Sports India Pvt Ltd ,  which owns and operates the Gujarat Titans. The regulatory body noted that the transaction raises no competition concerns, as there are no horizontal overlaps or vertical relationships between the parties’ business activities.

    Torrent Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning pharmaceuticals, power generation, healthcare, and city gas distribution, views the acquisition as a strategic move to enhance its brand presence. The company stated that the investment aligns with its strategy of acquiring “high-value, scalable assets that offer consistent returns.”

    The target company, Irelia Sports, manages the Gujarat Titans franchise along with its associated revenue streams, including match ticketing, team merchandising, and advertising rights. The acquisition has been notified under Section 6(4) of the Competition Act, 2002.

    A spokesperson for Torrent Group noted that the acquisition would help the company connect with a broader demographic through cricket, India’s most popular sport. The deal represents one of the most significant ownership changes in the IPL’s recent history.

    The CCI’s swift approval suggests a straightforward review process, given the distinct nature of the acquirer’s existing business portfolio and the target’s sports-focused operations. The transaction value remains undisclosed, though industry experts suggest it reflects the growing valuations of IPL franchises.

    (Picture courtesy Gujarat Titans franchise)

  • Tonic Worldwide appoints Nishant Gopalia as senior vice president, media & martech

    Tonic Worldwide appoints Nishant Gopalia as senior vice president, media & martech

    MUMBAI:  Tonic Worldwide has announced the appointment of Nishant Gopalia as senior vice-president for media & martech.  Gopalia, who brings over 18 years of experience in digital media, marketing, and strategy, joins from Viacom18 Sports, where he served as senior director and lead for digital media.

    At Viacom18, Gopalia spearheaded digital strategies for major sports properties, including the Indian Premier League (IPL), FIFA, and the NBA. He was instrumental in driving user acquisition and retention for the company’s digital platform, JioCinema, through performance marketing campaigns, content innovations, and data-driven decision-making.

    Prior to Viacom18, Gopalia held leadership roles at Tata Communications, Mindshare India, Performics, Disney Star, Wavemaker, Hungama Digital Services, and Dentsu Webchutney. His expertise spans app marketing, social media management, programmatic advertising, performance marketing, and digital content strategy.

    In his new role at Tonic Worldwide, Gopalia will oversee media strategy and marketing technology initiatives, driving innovation and business growth for the agency’s clients. His appointment is expected to bolster Tonic’s capabilities in delivering comprehensive digital solutions.

    Said Gopalia : “I look forward to contributing to its vision of delivering impactful and data-driven digital strategies.”

  • The satirical conceit of The Grade Cricketer is that Australian cricket is superior to all else: Sam and Ian

    The satirical conceit of The Grade Cricketer is that Australian cricket is superior to all else: Sam and Ian

    Mumbai: Podcasts have emerged as a popular medium for engaging content, and India is no exception to this trend. Amidst the thriving podcast culture, cricket fans are finding new and innovative ways to connect with their beloved sport. As the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup generates its usual buzz, one podcast, in particular, stands out for its unique blend of humour and cricket insights: The Grade Cricketer.

    Hosted by Sam Perry and Ian Higgins, The Grade Cricketer (TGC) podcast has carved a niche for itself in the cricketing world. The podcast offers an authentic and refreshing take on cricket, combining sharp wit with in-depth analysis. This distinctive style has struck a chord with cricket enthusiasts, especially in India, where an impressive 62 per cent of their listeners are based.

    TGC has hosted a range of cricketing legends and celebrities, including Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting, Brett Lee, Wasim Akram, Shubman Gill, Faf du Plessis, Glenn James Maxwell, Shane Watson, Harsha Bhogle, Gaurav Kapur, Tanmay Bhat, Danish Sait, Adam Zampa, Ravi Shastri, Glenn Maxwel, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans and Brian Lara, among others.Though they never crossed paths on-field, Ian Higgins’ background in Law and Sam Perry’s in communications have helped them illuminate the rich, dark underbelly of cricket. With trademark irreverence, they chronicle as it really is, with all its complex social dynamics and masculine by-play. In a nutshell, they are fans who say it like it is and that’s what differentiates them from the rest of the publishers out there. Their fans love the original approach and their numbers validate their approach.

    TGC’s influence extends beyond traditional media. They command an audience of over 800,000+ on social media and have a highly engaged YouTube channel with over 289K subscribers. Their content has amassed over 36.2M video views and 81.7M+ impressions, demonstrating their strong engagement metrics. Notably, TGC’s average engagement rate of 3.46% per video on YouTube is significantly higher than the platform’s average of 0.40%.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Sam Perry and Ian Higgins, where both shared their story on the inception behind the podcasts, the memorable experience during the show and much more…

    Edited excerpts

    On the story behind the inception of The Grade Cricketer podcast

    Pez (Sam Perry) founded The Grade Cricketer, which began as a Twitter account in 2011. Soon after a few friends became involved in creating content, including Higgos (Ian Higgins). We expanded the character first through the medium of books, followed by a podcast. Since then, the podcast has become the centrepiece of the venture, but we’ve developed our work through video on YouTube, TV, and live shows.

    On striking the balance between entertaining and informing your audience

    It’s just a reflection of our personalities and our personal experience of playing cricket. While we love the game, it is naturally unforgiving, so humour is a very helpful lens through which to cope with the pain it inflicts. That said, the humour wouldn’t work if it wasn’t underpinned by hard-won insights. We both played the game for decades, chasing the dream of playing for Australia, accruing homespun knowledge about how it works and, importantly, how it feels.

    On Indian cricket fans resonating the most with

    We’ll never fully know, but I don’t think it differs too much from other audiences. There’s a lot of cricket narration focused on dry insights and statistics – which is great, by the way. But many cricket fans prefer humour with their cricket, which TGC caters for.  

    On sharing a memorable moment or episode from the podcast that had a significant impact on your audience

    The opportunity to interview Harsha Bhogle for an hour, in-person, was very special to us and resonated with our audience. Harsha has a deep understanding of not only contemporary Indian cricket, but also Indian history, society and culture. For two Australians looking to better connect with and understand the context of Indian cricket, we were truly grateful to receive his knowledge.

    On the podcast changing your perspective on cricket and its community

    The central, satirical conceit of The Grade Cricketer is that Australian cricket is superior to all else, and we view the game accordingly. Fortunately, or otherwise, doing this show has given us an authentic appreciation of the extent of people’s love for the game, all around the world, and particularly in India.

    On your future plans for The Grade Cricketer podcast

    We’d just like to continue providing joy and entertainment for anyone who likes humour with their cricket. And who knows, maybe there’s a documentary out there comparing Australia’s main fields with India’s maidans.  

  • IPL 2024 draws advertisers as CTV viewing trends soar

    IPL 2024 draws advertisers as CTV viewing trends soar

    Mumbai: Indian Premier League continues to assert its dominance not only on the field but also in the realm of advertising. As the 2024 season kicks off, IPL is once again proving to be a magnet for advertisers, especially as Connected TV (CTV) viewing trends soar to new heights.

    The tournament has consistently been a hotspot for advertisers looking to reach millions of passionate fans across the globe. However, the 2024 season brings a new dimension to advertising strategies with the surge in CTV viewership.

    Connected TV, which refers to the streaming of television content over the internet via smart TVs, streaming devices, or gaming consoles, has witnessed a remarkable uptick in recent years. This rise can be attributed to various factors, including the proliferation of high-speed internet, the emergence of streaming platforms, and the growing preference for on-demand and personalised content consumption.

    With more viewers opting for CTV platforms to watch their favorite sports events, advertisers are seizing the opportunity to connect with audiences in a more targeted and engaging manner. Unlike traditional television advertising, CTV allows for precise audience targeting based on demographics, interests, and viewing behavior, thereby maximizing the impact of ad campaigns.

    The shift towards CTV advertising is also reshaping the dynamics of ad spending in the sports industry. As advertisers allocate a larger portion of their budgets to digital channels, traditional media platforms are facing increased competition for ad dollars. This trend underscores the importance for sports leagues like the IPL to embrace digital innovation and adapt to changing consumer preferences to remain competitive in the advertising landscape.

    In response to the growing demand for CTV advertising opportunities, Indiantelevision reached out to industry experts where they explained how advertisers are adapting their strategies to target viewers on connected TV platforms during IPL 2024 and the factors that are driving the surge in connected TV viewership for IPL and capitalising on this trend.

    Edited excerpts

    mediasmart chief growth officer Nikhil Kumar

    Cricket enjoys a reverential status in India and advertising dollars are where users are. The surge in CTV viewership for IPL in both metros and satellite towns has been driven by factors like increasing internet penetration along with high speed data, availability of Smart TVs at a competitive price point, and the availability of streaming platforms. Additionally, with the broadcasting rights split between two epicenters – JioCinema on digital and Star Sports on offline mediums, there’s a wider audience available for advertisers. Advertisers are capitalizing on this trend by targeting ads specifically for the CTV audience, leveraging advanced targeting capabilities, and creating interactive and engaging ad formats to capture viewers’ attention effectively. Additionally, advertisers also can prioritize time-based and location-based user segmentation to target audiences beyond CTV. As organic searches for cricket matches go up, fans celebrate live viewing together in restaurants, or app-based activity for fantasy apps also increase, it’s a great opportunity to connect these users across screens to have a lasting brand impact in the high-adrenaline cricketing season!

    In addition to this, it’s important to shift the focus from where the ad is being shown to who the ad is being shown to. That means finding the right audience and right channels of measurement, combined with the power of compelling creatives. For IPL, advertisers have the opportunity to leverage several attractive formats on CTV to achieve higher levels of brand engagement and recognition. Interactive ads, for example, are highly attractive and can be either through creating an animated background where products and the main messages of the ad gain a dedicated spot, or through the progress bar sync format, where the product or service becomes a part of the video. Brands can also leverage Smart QR codes to create powerful redirections and boost action. By programmatically catering to viewers on CTV, advertisers can also prioritize unifying reach through technologies like Household Sync and drive action on app, DOOH, or in-stores. This can help to break from the clutter and target viewers to see incremental lift across various metrics such as message association, brand awareness, purchase intent, and sales.

    MiQ global commercial board member & managing director Siddharth Dabhade

    In the IPL season, advertisers must look beyond just one streaming platform to find their most relevant audiences and effectively engage with them. Advertising during IPL matches will get you a wide reach with a diverse range of engaged users that may or may not be your brand’s relevant audience.

    Some strategies we’ve seen brands deploy this IPL season are:

    Match moments-synced ads: the ads are activated in-sync with match moments or milestones, for example: after an bowler takes two wickets in an over or a batsman hits a half-century. These ads are served programmatically to create maximum impact & engagement.

    Retargeting viewers across devices: As the same Ads run in every inning during IPL matches, viewer attention shifts to other devices or platforms. In fact, MiQ’s Advanced TV research report from India found that 56% viewers often or almost always use a second screen while streaming or watching content on TV. By retargeting consumers who have already shown interest in your brand across any device and delivering tailored ads on CTV, you have the chance to make a lasting impression

    The biggest factor is the cost, as IPL is free to watch on TVs and mobile on the JioCinema app, which is driving up viewership numbers on Connected TVs and mobile devices.

    CTV advertising offers access to affluent audiences that are hard to reach on linear TV. During big-ticket events like IPL, advertisers want to boost brand awareness, reach, and recall among cricket fans and their target group of customers. CTV ads provide better media planning, targeting, activation, and measurability than linear TV ads.

    It’s no surprise that TV viewership is at its peak during tentpole sports events, and it’s attracting more and more advertisers. Programmatic CTV ad inventory for IPL is more cost efficient for advertisers.

  • Valvoline gears up with Lucknow Super Giants as Official Partner for IPL 2024

    Valvoline gears up with Lucknow Super Giants as Official Partner for IPL 2024

    Mumbai: Valvoline India, a prominent global lubricant manufacturer and pioneer in engine oil technology is delighted to announce its strategic partnership with the Lucknow Super Giants for the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.

    With a commitment to fuelling the future of mobility through innovative services and products, Valvoline India is poised to bring its expertise to the forefront of one of the most electrifying sporting events worldwide. The partnership with Lucknow Super Giants underscores Valvoline’s dedication to fostering excellence both on and off the field.

    “Joining forces with Lucknow Super Giants as an official partner for IPL 2024 is a thrilling opportunity for Valvoline India,” said Valvoline India CMO Ipshita Chowdhury. “As pioneers in the lubricant industry, we are proud to align with a team that shares our passion for performance and innovation. Together, we look forward to elevating the excitement of IPL 2024 and connecting with fans on a deeper level.”

    As part of this collaboration, Valvoline India will leverage its extensive experience and cutting-edge technologies to support Lucknow Super Giants in maintaining peak performance throughout the IPL season. Additionally, fans can anticipate engaging activations and initiatives designed to enhance their overall IPL experience.

  • Noise joins the Spirit of IPL with Season 2 of Noise Premier League

    Noise joins the Spirit of IPL with Season 2 of Noise Premier League

    Mumbai: As cricket fever grips the nation with the onset of the Indian Premier League, Noise, India’s leading smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand, is thrilled to announce the second season of the Noise Premier League (NPL). This interactive event – hosted within the brand’s flagship NoiseFit App – allows users to participate during IPL matches by predicting winners and earning exciting rewards directly through the app. With the second season of NPL, Noise reaffirms its commitment to nurturing a dynamic community of Noisemakers nationwide while providing a platform for engaging and immersive sports experiences.

    Building upon the success of its inaugural season, which garnered participation from over 2 million unique users, NPL Season 2 promises an even more enriching and interactive experience with bigger prizes and prestigious partnerships. By accurately predicting IPL match winners, participants can earn NPL points, with each correct prediction earning them 8 points. Accumulating NPL points unlocks a range of benefits and rewards for users, including thrilling prizes, enhancing the overall experience and motivating ongoing engagement with the platform. Alongside the match predictions, a standout feature of this season is the introduction of dynamic watch faces displaying modified logos of IPL teams, providing users with a personalized way to showcase their support.

    This year, Noise Premier League also incentivizes users to achieve their fitness goals. Participants can earn Noise Coins as rewards for achieving daily step count targets and successfully completing fitness challenges. These Noise Coins can then be redeemed for a chance to win exciting prizes, fueling the excitement and motivation. Additionally, the Fun Zone offers users the chance to engage in a Super Over quiz and spin the wheel for a shot at lucrative rewards. With these additional activities, NPL Season 2 aims to provide participants with a comprehensive and engaging platform that combines the thrill of cricket predictions with the motivation to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.

    Noise co-founder Amit Khatri said, “Our NoiseFit App has become a hub for community engagement, emerging as the top app in India. With the IPL season on, we have taken another innovative initiative through the second edition of NPL, that aims to build an experience-led ecosystem not just getting users to live the spirit of the cricketing tournament but also empowering them to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

    The second season also boasts collaborations with renowned brands including Bajaj, Ampere, HRX, Puma, Honda, Jimmy’s Cocktails, Bella Vita, FanCode, My11Circle and more. These partnerships elevate the user experience by offering a wider selection of remarkable prizes, including vouchers, exclusive merchandise, and exciting hampers.

    The NoiseFit App stands out as a leader in the Health & Fitness category, holding the No. 1 position on Android’s Google Play Store and the No. 2 position on iOS’s App Store in India.

    Developed in-house, this app exemplifies Noise’s commitment to consumer-centricity and meaningful innovation. With over 10 million active downloads, the app offers the health-conscious community a comprehensive suite of features for tracking, monitoring, and enhancing their wellness journeys. Moreover, its community feature fosters collaboration among users to achieve fitness goals collectively, while data-led insights elevate its significance beyond a typical fitness app.

  • Greenpanel renews association with Delhi Capitals as principal sponsor

    Greenpanel renews association with Delhi Capitals as principal sponsor

    Mumbai: Greenpanel has announced kickstarting the second edition of its association with the Indian Premier League’s franchise Delhi Capitals as its principal sponsor. As a part of this partnership, it will have branding on the Delhi Capitals team’s jerseys. With this strategic move, it intends to garner greater visibility, amplify its brand promotion initiatives, and solidify its reputation further in the market.

    This is going to be the second year of association between Greenpanel and Delhi Capitals. Greenpanel aims to build up on last year’s momentum to reach a wider audience base through the IPL’s massive viewership and foster strong connections with its potential customers.

    Greenpanel will be promoting this partnership through a marketing mix of ATL, BTL, and digital initiatives, including TV, on-ground visibility, social media, and performance marketing. It will be launching a new TV campaign soon featuring Delhi Capitals players to further strengthen the brand positioning of Greenpanel- MDF ka doosra naam. The brand will have a strong on-ground presence in the home matches via stadium branding and stalls with exciting games providing a chance to the fans to win exclusive Delhi Capitals merchandise. Additionally, in the digital space, Greenpanel will organize various contests for cricket fans to win the team’s merchandise, post content co-created with the Delhi Capitals team, and launch IPL-specific social media campaigns to further garner visibility and engagement.

    Greenpanel MD and CEO Shobhan Mittal said “We are excited as we kick off the second leg of our association with IPL’s franchise Delhi Capitals as their Principal Sponsor. Last year, when we initiated this alliance, we witnessed massive consumer outreach, and our marketing initiatives received a positive response. We are hopeful that this year the collaboration will be instrumental in further strengthening communication around the brand’s core positioning – MDF ka doosra naam.”  

    He further added, “The partnership reflects Greenpanel’s unwavering commitment to providing high-performance products to its customers. We consider this association as an opportunity to support the beloved sport of India, connect with fans and sports enthusiasts alike, and convert them into potential Greenpanel customers.”

    Delhi Capitals interim CEO Sukhvinder Singh said,” As the Delhi Capitals embark on another exciting season, we are thrilled to continue our partnership with Greenpanel as our principal sponsor. Their unwavering support reflects not only their commitment to the sport but also their dedication to providing top-notch products to customers nationwide. We look forward to another successful season together, representing the spirit of cricket and excellence.”

    Greenpanel is an Indian MDF company and stands strong for its country. The brand is highly passionate about sports and has huge respect for the country’s sportspersons.

  • Ocean Sharma becomes the first e-sports caster to join IPL 2024

    Ocean Sharma becomes the first e-sports caster to join IPL 2024

    Mumbai: Ocean Sharma, a prominent caster of the country’s e-sports industry, has been appointed as the national presenter for the highly anticipated season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 by Star Sports. This  move marks a historic moment in e-sports and sports broadcasting, as Ocean becomes the first Indian Esports caster to join the world’s premier franchise cricket league.

    Ocean is widely recognised within India’s Esports landscape for his extensive experience and expertise as a caster and game analyst. His notable achievements include casting for official Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) tournaments and global Esports events such as the PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2021: League – East, PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2021: Grand Finals, and PUBG Mobile Pro League – South Asia Spring 2022.

    For IPL 2024, Ocean will join hands with the league’s national presenters Mayanti Langer Binny, Jatin Sapru, Tanay Tiwari, Suren Sundaram and more to undertake various responsibilities as an anchor and reporter.

    Expressing his excitement about this groundbreaking role in the IPL, Sharma said, “As a passionate cricket fan, being appointed as the national presenter for IPL 2024 is truly a monumental moment for me. It presents an incredible opportunity to bridge the gap between Esports and mainstream sports in India, and I am honored to be at its forefront. With my experience, I am committed to delivering an unparalleled experience for all viewers and cannot wait to kickstart this innings of my career.”

    Having enjoyed an illustrious career in Esports, this will not be Ocean’s first stint in the country’s sporting landscape as he has previously showcased his casting talent in high-profile tournaments such as Ultimate Kho Kho and Pro Kabaddi League.

    “We are thrilled to see Ocean making strides in India’s sports industry after establishing himself as a notable figure in Esports. His journey is an inspiration for aspiring Esports enthusiasts, showcasing that the sector offers lucrative growth prospects in roles other than being a gamer as well. We are confident that his distinctive presenting skillset will enhance the excitement of IPL viewing for fans nationwide,” said Ocean’s business manager and Phiesi founder Ketan Singhal.

    Ocean’s unique content has established him as a distinguished figure in the Indian video gaming community with his Youtube channel comprising more than 858k subscribers and Instagram handle exceeding 450k followers. His inclusion in the IPL star cast is not only an individual achievement but also signifies a significant step forward in recognizing the growing influence of Esports in mainstream sports.