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Tag: Irfan Pathan

  • Sony Sports Network gears up for epic India-England showdown

    Sony Sports Network gears up for epic India-England showdown

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network is swinging for the fences this summer with its all-out broadcast of the India tour of England, starting 20 June 2025. With a refreshed Indian side stepping into the cauldron of English conditions and legends in the commentary box, the five-Test series promises fireworks on and off the pitch.

    From Headingley to The Oval, all five matches will be broadcast live across Sony Sports Ten channels, in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Whether you’re a cricket purist or a casual fan, there’s something in store—served up with regional flavour and expert insight.

    Bringing the heat off the field is Sony’s formidable Extraaa Innings panel, featuring a who’s who of cricket royalty. In English, viewers can expect sharp analysis from Sunil Gavaskar, Cheteshwar Pujara, Michael Vaughan, Nasser Hussain, Mike Atherton, Harsha Bhogle, and Sanjana Ganesan. Hindi viewers will be bowled over by Ajay Jadeja, Irfan Pathan, Ashish Nehra, Saba Karim, RP Singh, and more.

    Regional commentary comes courtesy of  Tamil and Telugu stalwarts like Hemang Badani,Bharat Arun, WV Raman,Venkatapathy Raju, and Rakesh Deva, ensuring cricket lovers from Chennai to Hyderabad get front-row seats in their mother tongue.

    With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli recently retired, a new generation led by Shubman Gill will carry India’s hopes. The historical odds aren’t in their favour—India has only won three Test series in England, in 1971, 1986 and 2007, each under a new skipper. But the signs are there for another fairytale run.

    It’s youth vs experience, tradition vs transition—and Sony Sports Network is pulling out all the stops to bring every ball, byte, and boundary to fans across the country. Game on.

  • Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    Test and furious India heads to England with grit glory and a new guard

    MUMBAI: It’s no longer just about technique and turf, it’s about taming old ghosts with new fire. Sony Sports Network is set to bring viewers the cricketing showdown of the year, the India tour of England 2025, a five-Test epic that kicks off June 20. Played on iconic English grounds like Lord’s, The Oval, and Old Trafford, the series carries weight not just on the scoreboard, but in the psyche of Indian cricket.

    What makes this tour doubly dramatic? It’s the first major Test series in a post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era. With a fresh captain and a young, fearless squad at the helm, Team India is ready to challenge a century-long struggle India has only clinched 3 out of 19 Test series in England. This time, they arrive armed with swagger, skill, and a new spirit: ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’.

    “The India tour of England will be a ‘test’ in the truest sense of the word… With ‘Naya India, Dhaakad India’, we are celebrating the courage and determination of this new generation… Sony Sports Network aims to rally the nation behind Team India as they embark on this crucial Test series,” said Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer for distribution & international business and head for sports business Rajesh Kaul.

    Adding his voice to the call is Cheteshwar Pujara, who noted, “With a young and dynamic squad, this tour represents a significant turning point for Indian cricket… I look forward to witnessing how this group rises to the occasion.”

    For Irfan Pathan, the series isn’t just about stats, it’s about seizing the stage: “Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari perfectly captures the fearless attitude… I am confident this team has the talent and determination to take on the toughest challenges.”

    To amplify the buzz, Sony Sports Network has launched ‘Ground Tumhara, Jeet Hamari’, a fiery, animated campaign packed with emotion and edge. One standout film features iconic captains Ajit Wadekar, Kapil Dev, and Rahul Dravid reflecting on their rare Test triumphs on English soil reminding fans just how elusive victory here has been.

    Another short, ‘Fury in Harmony – Bumrah’, taps into Jasprit Bumrah’s explosive spell from the 2020-21 series, reinforcing the visceral thrill of red-ball cricket. And in a not-yet-aired third film titled ‘Kasam Paida Karne Wale Ki’, set to the iconic 1984 Bollywood song, cricket legends Sunil Gavaskar and Irfan Pathan join forces with English stars like Mark Wood and Harry Brook to dramatise the rivalry and resistance India faces in England.

    With more than just points on the line, this tour is a statement of intent from a resurgent Indian side determined to rewrite Test history on England’s toughest pitches.

    Catch every ball, every twist, and every cheer Live starting 20 June 2025, only on Sony Sports Network. Because this time, the turf might be theirs but the win? That’s ours to take.

  • BIG FM returns with BIG BINGO Cricket Season 2 with Irfan Pathan

    BIG FM returns with BIG BINGO Cricket Season 2 with Irfan Pathan

    Mumbai: As cricket fever sweeps the nation with the arrival of T20 cricket series, BIG FM, one of India’s leading radio networks, brings back the second season of BIG BINGO Cricket! After the splendid success of the previous edition, this year, the campaign promises to elevate the excitement with cricket legend Irfan Pathan. With its unique blend of cricket and bingo, former cricketer Irfan Pathan will share real-time analysis of players’ performances, team strategies and overall match dynamics on radio. Whether one is a seasoned cricket fan or new to the game, BIG BINGO Cricket Season 2 offers an unparalleled opportunity for listeners to engage with the sport in an immersive manner!

    Through this campaign, the radio network invites listeners to immerse themselves in the pulsating action of the T20 cricket while also having the opportunity to win incredible prizes with just a click of a button. Users can log onto www.bigfmbingo.com, where they can register and select their tickets for the day’s match. As the series progresses, they will earn points based on the performance of the players listed on their tickets. Adding on, competitors can spin the Spin-The-Wheel every 10 minutes during the match to earn bonus points. At the end of the series, the participant with the highest cumulative score will be crowned tournament champion and receive the megaprize!

    Moreover, taking the victory a notch higher, selected lucky winners will get exciting prizes and a chance to meet the expert of Indian cricket, Irfan Pathan. Following a successful collaboration with Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals, this year, the radio network has also partnered with Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, enhancing the cricketing experience for fans and offering more opportunities to engage with their favorite teams and players.

    Speaking on the campaign, BIG FM COO Sunil Kumaran added, “Cricket is celebrated like no other sport in our country and this cricketing season, we are thrilled to announce the second edition of BIG BINGO Cricket. Our goal is to connect fans with their favorite sport, enhancing their engagement with every match. With the addition of radio partnership with esteemed cricket teams, we anticipate an atmosphere filled with excitement, offering fans valuable insights from their favorite player Irfan Pathan himself.”

    Giving an immersive experience to the listeners, Irfan Pathan will do a variety of on-air activities, including selective match pre & post-match analysis, sharing anecdotes from his World Cup days and quizzes to challenge listener’s cricketing expertise. Additionally, keen fans can look forward to a fantastic meet & greet and photo op session in Mumbai.

    “Cricket is not just a game, it’s been my greatest teacher, shaping me into who I am. Regardless of winning or losing the match, India’s unwavering support has united the players into a skilled team today. I am excited to join hands with BIG FM. Their integral role in sharing this passion is commendable, they are ensuring that airwaves of cricket reach every corner of the nation. Through BIG BINGO Cricket, I look forward to connecting with cricket lovers once again,” said Irfan Pathan.

    Furthermore, BIG FM RJs will also engage listeners in BIG BINGO Cricket on-air and via BIG FM’s Instagram page.

    Join BIG FM on www.bigfmbingo.com and delve into the exhilarating world of cricket like never before.

  • Bhilwara Kings secure cricket icons Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Shane Watson

    Bhilwara Kings secure cricket icons Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, and Shane Watson

    Mumbai: Bhilwara Kings are set to make a resounding return in the second season of the Legends League Cricket (LLC), promising a grander spectacle for cricket enthusiasts. As a proud franchise owned by the LNJ Bhilwara Group, a multi-diversified conglomerate, the team is gearing up to compete with three other formidable contenders to seize the coveted trophy.  

    In accordance with the tournament policy, the LNJ Bhilwara Group has exercised its player retention right by securing the services of Captain Irfan Pathan for the upcoming season. The team has also retained the stellar talents of Yusuf Pathan, the Player of the Series in LLC’s inaugural season, and the formidable Shane Watson. It has brought 12 other players from the pool of more than 200 players in the auction held recently.

    Expressing enthusiasm for the team’s return, Riju Jhunjhunwala, Chairman and Managing Director of RSWM Ltd. (LNJ Bhilwara Group’s textile venture) said, “The first season of the Legends League Cricket was enthralling. We are anticipating an action-packed season and are determined to clinch the trophy. We eagerly await the upcoming tournament.”

    A total of 19 matches will be played among the four teams, commencing on 18 November. The two qualifying teams will engage in a gripping final match on December 9th. The franchise-based tournament, featuring a pool of over 200 players, will unfold across five cities− Ranchi, Dehradun, Jammu, Vizag, and Surat. Further details about the event and the comprehensive player pool will be announced by the league in the coming weeks.  

    Excited for the second season for the LLC, Bhilwara King captain Irfan Pathan, said, “I am very excited to be with Kings again. We had a wonderful time last season. We just missed out on one game, otherwise, we were pretty good throughout the season. The management is outstanding. Riju Ji, the boss, has been wonderful. We had a pretty fantastic, packed background team to make sure we had a wonderful time throughout the tournament. The support we get is outstanding. That’s why I feel like it is home. Being back with Bhilwara Kings is exciting and I am very happy about it. Looking forward to the new season, looking forward to the new team. Looking forward to a great season with everyone.”

    Bhilwara King Coach Lalchand said, “It’s been a great experience working with Bhilwara King. We were like one family and never felt that we were outsiders. The management was superb, and they never interfered in the cricketing matters and gave us a free hand. I am excited and looking forward to work together in the coming season.”

    In the maiden season, LLC achieved remarkable success, captivating millions of cricket fans globally, The LNJ Bhilwara Group secured the second position after a thrilling final against the India Capitals.

  • Star Sports Hindi feed goes global in a historic first for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup

    Star Sports Hindi feed goes global in a historic first for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, is thrilled to announce the global expansion of its Hindi feed for the marquee tournament. Fans in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Middle East can now savour uninterrupted coverage of all the thrilling action in Hindi. This marks the first-ever occasion where the ICC Men’s CWC is being broadcast in Hindi within these regions, accessible through both linear and digital platforms, catering to the vibrant Indian diaspora. This milestone underscores the profound significance of cultural pride -‘Hindi Mein Baat Hai, Kyunki Hindi Mein Jazbaat Hai.’ (The language brings out all the emotions)

    The coverage of ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Hindi will be available on:

    •    ESPN+ (USA/Canada)
    •    Willow TV (USA/Canada)
    •    Fox Sports / Kayo (Australia)
    •    Starzplay (Middle East)
    •    CricLife Max (Middle East)

    The Hindi coverage on these platforms will also include Star Sports’ pre-match show ‘Cricket Live’, India’s most watched cricket show.

    John Lasker, senior vice president of ESPN+, said, “Anchored by ESPNcricinfo, the leading digital destination for cricket news and information around the world, ESPN has a long history covering top-level international cricket for fans in the U.S. Presenting the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in both English and Hindi on ESPN+ is part of our continued commitment to growing an established audience of cricket fans in the States and around the world.”

    Fox Sports managing director Steve Crawley said, “We know there is a large and passionate Australian Indian cricket community so to be able to provide the Hindi feed, powered by an expert team of commentators, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 for all Indian matches plus the semi-finals and final on FOX SPORTS gives fans more choice and more ways to enjoy the action, and that’s good for cricket and good for fans.”

    Disney Star head- sports Sanjog Gupta said, ‘’The global response to Disney Star’s Hindi coverage for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has been tremendous as we take the excitement of the tournament to hearts and homes of millions worldwide and deepen their engagement. The coverage in Hindi, in addition to the World Feed, not only makes it more accessible to the Indian diaspora but more importantly, galvanises the sense of belonging and deep emotional connection with Indian Cricket. The Hindi feed, with India-focussed storylines, distinctly Indian perspectives on non-India narratives, unique visuals including customised graphics and powered by an incredible line-up of talent, will significantly bolster the unifying experience of watching Cricket for Indians worldwide and hopefully deepen the sense of pride in being an Indian Cricket fan.”

    This illustrious panel of commentators includes iconic Indian cricketing figures such as Sunil Gavaskar, a 1983 World Cup winner, former India Head Coach Ravi Shastri, and members of the 2011 World Cup-winning side – Gautam Gambhir, Harbhajan Singh, and Piyush Chawla. Adding to the wealth of expertise are former India cricketers Mohammad Kaif, Irfan Pathan, and Sanjay Manjrekar, renowned for their tactical acumen in the sport. The roster also features former India women’s captain Mithali Raj, along with South Africa’s spin wizard Imran Tahir, former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta, domestic veteran Amol Muzumdar, and cricket presenter Jatin Sapru, all of whom will lend their voices and effervescent charm to the StarCast.

    Irfan Pathan, T20 World Cup winner who is part of Star Sports “StarCast” for World Cup said, “Cricket has a unique way of uniting people, and with the Hindi feed reaching Indian fans across the globe, we are not just witnessing a tournament; we are celebrating the spirit of cricket in a language that resonates with emotions. It’s a fantastic initiative that ensures every passionate Indian fan, regardless of their location, can experience the magic of the World Cup in a language that feels like home.”

    India’s Cricket World Cup Winner, Harbhajan Singh, said, “I am proud to be part of StarCast’s Hindi feed that is engaging with fans overseas during the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. This allows our extended family outside our country to revel the thrilling action in their preferred language.”

    India’s Cricket World Cup Winner, Gautam Gambhir, said, “I’m excited to see fans from all corners of the world coming together to celebrate this great sport in the language they love. With the Hindi feed now available globally, we are breaking barriers and ensuring that cricket enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds can enjoy all the action from the tournament together with the rest of India.”

  • Vuclip to launch cricket comedy show ‘What The Duck’ on OTT

    Vuclip to launch cricket comedy show ‘What The Duck’ on OTT

    MUMBAI: Premium video on demand service for emerging markets, Vuclip announced the unveiling of Viu Originals on its OTT platform Viu with the cricket comedy chat show series ‘What The Duck’. Hosted by Vikram Sathaye, the show will be produced and co-created by Fluence. Vuclip says that CA Media Digital’s celebrity network will feature cricketing greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Karthik, Irfan Pathan among others.

    The quirky chat show hosted by Vikram Sathaye, stand-up comedian, cricket humourist and author of the best seller How Sachin Destroyed My Life will be the first offering from Viu Originals. Each episode will have a total run time of 13 minutes.

    At the intersection of cricket and comedy, ‘What The Duck’, is a freewheeling chat show that will reveal the funnier side of India’s cricketing legends. A dream come true for cricket fans, the show marries two of India’s greatest passions – cricket and entertainment. Laced with the host’s signature humour, each installment of the ten-episode series will feature a cricket celebrity along with some fascinating anecdotes and insightful stories. New episodes will be uploaded each week on Viu.

    The series kicks off today on Viu with the interview of the Nawab of Najafgarh, Virender Sehwag opening the series innings in the same swashbuckling manner that he did on the cricket field. It will be available exclusively only on Viu.

  • Vuclip to launch cricket comedy show ‘What The Duck’ on OTT

    Vuclip to launch cricket comedy show ‘What The Duck’ on OTT

    MUMBAI: Premium video on demand service for emerging markets, Vuclip announced the unveiling of Viu Originals on its OTT platform Viu with the cricket comedy chat show series ‘What The Duck’. Hosted by Vikram Sathaye, the show will be produced and co-created by Fluence. Vuclip says that CA Media Digital’s celebrity network will feature cricketing greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Karthik, Irfan Pathan among others.

    The quirky chat show hosted by Vikram Sathaye, stand-up comedian, cricket humourist and author of the best seller How Sachin Destroyed My Life will be the first offering from Viu Originals. Each episode will have a total run time of 13 minutes.

    At the intersection of cricket and comedy, ‘What The Duck’, is a freewheeling chat show that will reveal the funnier side of India’s cricketing legends. A dream come true for cricket fans, the show marries two of India’s greatest passions – cricket and entertainment. Laced with the host’s signature humour, each installment of the ten-episode series will feature a cricket celebrity along with some fascinating anecdotes and insightful stories. New episodes will be uploaded each week on Viu.

    The series kicks off today on Viu with the interview of the Nawab of Najafgarh, Virender Sehwag opening the series innings in the same swashbuckling manner that he did on the cricket field. It will be available exclusively only on Viu.

  • India Today Group presents Salaam Sachin – The biggest Farewell to Sachin Tendulkar

    India Today Group presents Salaam Sachin – The biggest Farewell to Sachin Tendulkar

    MUMBAI: As Sachin Tendulkar readies to retire after his 200th test, an extraordinary farewell is getting planned at the India today group- “Salaam Sachin Conclave. The conclave is scheduled to take place in a city hotel in Mumbai on November 12, 2013.

    After 24 years, there are few records the Little Master hasn’t broken. In his journey, there are a few people who’ve seen him grow from the young curly haired promising batsman to the time he became the first man to score 100 international centuries. Salaam Sachin Conclave will witness enthralling, informative & entertaining sessions with noted Sports personalities ranging from people like Sunil Gavaskar, Ajit Wadekar and Anshuman Gaekwad who have seen Sachin grow through the years …. As well as his fierce rival Waqar Younis and close friends – Brian Lara and Saurav Ganguly.

    The high point of the conclave will be Brian Lara sharing his opinion on Lara vs. Sachin in a never before session. Sachin is rated as the best batsman in his generation by many contemporaries, Indian audiences have always been curious on what Lara thinks about this comparison.

    The viewers will get a glimpse of the learnings players like Suresh Raina and Gautam Gambhir drew from the legend. Sports personalities such as Sania Mirza, Sushil Kumar and Vijender Singh will also share their views on how Sachin has been an inspiration to them and how he has handled unrivalled pressure for a long 24 years. Apart from the world of sports, the conclave will also have presence of Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan who will talk about Sachin being a Hero for every Indian. Sachin’s brother Ajit Tendulkar will share an account of how he encouraged Sachin to play cricket and how Sachin dealt with his most painful moments in life.

    The conclave will include various sessions on Sachin’s life, his journey, his childhood, his achievements and his family. The first session on Sachin’s formative years will be delivered by his own sporting idol, Sunil Gavaskar, followed by a discussion between Suresh Raina, Gautam Gambhir and Irfan Pathan together talking on how Sachin Tendulkar is an inspiration for younger generation.

    A special session will also see the prominent names from corporate India talking on how Sachin has been the biggest brand in Indian Sporting history.

    The day will also have predictions from the cricketing greats in the session, “the Sachin era and the future” addressed by former Indian cricketers Ajit Wadekar, Bishan Singh Bedi, Anshuman Gaekwad and Kiran More. “Mumbai versus Bowral: The mantle of the Greatest” will be a subject of debate among cricketing greats Kapil Dev, Saurav Ganguly, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Brian Lara.
    The conclave will also feature an exhibition of rare Sachin memorabilia by the well known British memorabilia expert Hamilton Bland. 

    Expressing his thoughts on the Salaam Sachin conclave, Aroon Purie, Chairman & Editor in Chief, India Today Group said, “The life of a legend cannot be better captured but by those who’ve shared rare moments with him. India’s imagination has been dominated for over 24 years by the finest batsman the world’s ever seen. From his younger days and to the ultimate match of a brilliant career – he stood for Indian hope and pride. Salaam Sachin should be and will be a fitting salute to the all time greatest ambassador of the game.”

    Ashish Bagga, Group CEO, India Today Group, added “As the Man at the centre of India’s biggest passion signs out, it is important to express our gratitude to the legend. It has been an honour for many like us to watch him play and a few of us have also had the opportunity of interacting with him. With Salaam Sachin, we bring the world of Sachin fans closer to the Sachin they haven’t seen and the Sachin they are going to miss.”

    The high points of the session will be telecast LIVE on Aaj Tak and Headlines Today along with over a 25 hour programming churned out of the conclave over the weeks.

  • ESS partners with Special Olympics

    ESS partners with Special Olympics

    MUMBAI: ESPN Star Sports (ESS) has announced a partnership with the Special Olympics, the international non-profit organisation dedicated to improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

    ESS says that it is well-positioned to deliver the Special Olympics message across Asia, including calling upon the services of sporting legends who have built a relationship with the network over the years.

    Among the media programmes lined up by ESS is the television production and broadcast of the 1st Special Olympics International Cricket Cup which will be held in Mumbai from 6-13 November 2006. 12 men’s and three women’s teams will take part in the inaugural competition, involving 272 athletes and over 600 volunteers, coaches and officials. The countries taking part in this inaugural event are India, Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, West Indies. Female teams from India and Pakistan will also take part in this event.

    Special Olympics International chairman Timothy P. Shriver said, “We have been expanding and developing many programmes in the Asia Pacific region recently and have always had the goal to reach out to significantly many more people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. We have just reached two million athletes participating in 150 countries. Yet there are nearly 170 million more waiting. In addition, our message has to extend to the mass public in a much more powerful and significant way. ESPN Star Sports can make that happen.”

    Among the sporting stars who have stepped forward to lend their support to ESS’ commitment to Special Olympics are legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar, skipper Rahul Dravid, Irfan Pathan and Mohammad Kaif. Tailor-made public service announcements have been created by ESS featuring these Indian cricket legends.

    Special Olympics Asia Pacific MD Troy Greisen, says, “We are absolutely thrilled about this partnership with ESPN Star Sports as it is a great opportunity for us to spread the word and inspire people throughout Asia to get involved and support Special Olympics. ESPN Star Sports is the most powerful medium for us to achieve this as the premier sports network in Asia. Not only does ESPN Star Sports reach millions of viewers whose lives can be touched by our message and hopefully become supporters, it is also a great platform to showcase the ability of our Special Olympics athletes alongside other world class athletes.”

    ESS Asia MD Jamie Davis said, “Special Olympics is indeed a very special organisation. Its ideals are something we are very attracted to and something we want to fully support. Nothing will be more satisfying than to be able to play a small part in changing the lives of these special athletes.

    “ESPN Star Sports’ commitment will not stop at producing and broadcasting the flagship events of Special Olympics, which will start with the cricket tournament in Mumbai. ESPN and Star Sports will also run public service announcements to increase the awareness of people with intellectual disabilities and it’s staff will actively work with the Special Olympics athletes through volunteer coaching programmes”.

    ESS India MD RC Venkateish said, “Our network has a huge presence in India and we are looking forward to achieving something very important for Special Olympics in Asia. The continent has its own special athletes and through the powerful mediums of sports and television, we can help Asia play a more important role in helping people with intellectual disabilities.”

    Gavaskar said, “As a sportsman, getting involved in a cause as big as this, especially since it is about speaking for a group of athletes and promoting their cause throughout Asia, is perhaps one of main highlights of my career. If I am able to help achieve the goals that Special Olympics are looking for, then, it will perhaps even surpass what I have ever achieved in cricket.”