ITV

Tag: Sanjay Manjrekar

  • Sony swings for six with full throttle Asia Cup 2025 broadcast blitz

    Sony swings for six with full throttle Asia Cup 2025 broadcast blitz

    MUMBAI: Cricket’s continental carnival is back, and Sony Sports Network is rolling out the red carpet. Starting 9 September in the UAE, the Asia Cup 2025 returns for its 17th edition with eight teams India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, UAE, Oman, and Hong Kong, all chasing bragging rights before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

    For Indian fans, the excitement begins with India’s opener against hosts UAE on 10 September, followed by a series of high-stakes encounters through the Super Four stage and the grand finale on 28 September. Every ball, boundary, and bouncer will be available live across Sony Sports Network channels and streamed on Sony Liv, with commentary in English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu ensuring fans can cheer in their mother tongue.

    And that’s not all. The iconic Extraaa Innings T20 makes a comeback, bringing with it a line-up of cricket royalty and sharp-tongued analysts. Ravi Shastri, Sunil Gavaskar, Sanjay Manjrekar, Robin Uthappa, Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Russel Arnold, Simon Doull and more will headline the World Feed in English. Hindi viewers get the firepower of Virender Sehwag, Irfan Pathan, and Ajay Jadeja, while regional fans are not left behind Tamil coverage boasts WV Raman and Bharat Arun, and Telugu commentary features stalwarts like Venkatapathy Raju and Venugopal Rao.

    Sony chief revenue officer Rajesh Kaul underlined the network’s vision: “The Asia Cup represents not just a battle for supremacy but a fusion of history, culture, and aspiration. With our #RagRagMeinBharat campaign, we’re making world-class cricket accessible from the remotest villages to the busiest metros.”

    On the cricketing front, legends are already buzzing about India’s prospects under new captain Surya Kumar Yadav, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. Sunil Gavaskar hailed the side as a “blend of tenacity and experience” while Ravi Shastri dubbed it the “perfect mix of experience and potential,” spotlighting stars like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, and Harshit Rana.

    With 8 nations, 1 trophy, 20 days of action, and commentary in 4 languages, Sony’s coverage of the Asia Cup 2025 looks set to bowl over fans before the World Cup even begins.
     

  • Masala with a match twist as Saffola spices up snacking game

    Masala with a match twist as Saffola spices up snacking game

    MUMBAI: In a season when cricket commentary is as spicy as the snacks on our laps, Saffola Masala Oats has pitched a googly that’s clean bowled viewers with laughter and nostalgia. In a sizzling new campaign starring the ever-iconic Sanjay Manjrekar, the brand proves that oats can be masaledar enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with chaklis and chakhna without compromising on nutrition.

    Conceptualised by Mullen Lintas with support from Social Panga and Madison Communications, the campaign flips the script on traditional health food advertising. It begins in a podcast-style face-off where the host cheekily pulls up Manjrekar on his famously “brutal commentary.” As clips of his classic barbs, “bits and pieces player” and “not having the range” play out, Manjrekar, caught snacking on masala chakli, quips, “Eh… thoda masala toh chahiye na!” What follows is a swift on-screen swap with a steaming bowl of Saffola Masala Oats, served with a side of wit and wellness.

    Set against the backdrop of IPL frenzy, the campaign is a spicy sequel to last year’s viral “Behave” spot. This time around, Manjrekar serves up commentary and charisma with equal flavour, as the brand positions its oats as the go-to snack for India’s young, health-conscious crowd looking for a punch of taste in every spoonful.

    Speaking on the campaign, Marico Limited chief executive officer for India core business Ashish Goupal said, “Saffola has always stood for smart choices products that are nutritious, convenient, and great-tasting. Over the last year, we’ve evolved our brand storytelling to resonate more deeply with younger audiences. The cricket campaign is a significant step in this journey combining humour, nostalgia, and relatability with a message that snacking can be both nutritiously convenient and genuinely enjoyable. Sanjay Manjrekar brings the perfect blend of edge and familiarity to drive home this idea.”  He adds, “We are also seeing growing consumer acceptance of oats in India not just as a breakfast option, but increasingly as a savoury, anytime snack. As a category leader, we are committed to shaping this evolving snacking culture offering exciting formats and bold flavours that meet the expectations of today’s health-conscious yet taste-loving consumer.”

    Talking about the creative thought process behind the campaign, Mullen Lintas chief creative officer Ram Cobain said, “What’s cricket without a spicy take by Sanjay Manjrekar? Last year, we used Manjrekar’s famous (or rather infamous) ‘Behave’ remark as the central idea for the film. For this year’s IPL, we’ve used not one, but half a dozen of his ‘masaledar’ comments from the past, to cook up a fun banter between him and an interviewer. And smoothly slid a bowl of Saffola Masala Oats as a cheeky, socially-palatable alternative.”

    Sharing their experience of working on the campaign, Social Panga Mumbai creative head Ketki Karandikar shared, “When it comes to exciting and flavourful experiences, Sanjay Manjrekar’s unfiltered opinions on cricket find the perfect match in Saffola Masala Oats. We crafted bite-sized, snackable content tailored for social media platforms and paired it with sharp quick commerce collaborations. The result? A seamless journey from screen to spoon, ensuring the masala flavour wasn’t just talked about, but tasted in real-time.”

    Reflecting on the strategy of tapping into India’s cricket frenzy, Madison Media Ultra COO Jolene Fernandes Solanki shared “Consistency is key to brand building, two years in a row now, we’ve hit a six with cricket fans! Our continued partnership with cricket events and having associated with Sanjay Manjrekar has not only driven engagement but also reinforced Saffola Masala Oats as a anytime snacking meal”

    The innovation doesn’t stop at marketing. With new gourmet oat flavours and the easy-to-carry Cuppa format, Saffola is doubling down on snacking that’s both satisfying and smart.

    Because in India’s new snacking league, masala is the MVP and Saffola’s got it down to a fine oat.

  • Men of Platinum’s Honourthe7 pays tribute to MS Dhoni’s enduring legacy

    Men of Platinum’s Honourthe7 pays tribute to MS Dhoni’s enduring legacy

    MUMBAI: As IPL 2025 sets the stage for another thrilling season, Men of Platinum unveils Honourthe7, a heartfelt tribute to cricketing legend MS Dhoni. This fan-powered campaign invites supporters to express their admiration for Dhoni in a unique and deeply personal way through a seven-word tribute.

    Building on the success of the Men of Platinum x Dhoni Signature Edition, the initiative transforms fan tributes into AI-generated video anthems, featuring the fan and their message an unforgettable digital keepsake to be shared across social media. The most compelling entries will win match tickets to select CSK games, offering a chance to witness Dhoni’s greatness live.

    With IPL fever at its peak, Men of Platinum is amplifying the campaign across digital, social, and print platforms, celebrating Dhoni’s management, resilience, and composure values that mirror the strength of platinum itself.

    To take the storytelling even further, the brand has partnered with Espn Cricinfo to launch an exclusive content series, Men of Platinum presents The Dhoni Legacy. Hosted by Raunaq Kapoor, the series features legendary cricketing voices including Anil Kumble, Tom Moody, Ambati Rayudu, Ian Bishop, and Sanjay Manjrekar who will share first-hand insights and personal anecdotes about Dhoni’s remarkable journey. Timed around key CSK match days, the series blends real-time match reflections with Dhoni’s defining moments, reinforcing his enduring legacy.

    In addition to the Honourthe7 campaign and The Dhoni Legacy series, Men of Platinum is rolling out fan-focused activations, including memes, superfan integrations, and digital tributes, creating an emotionally charged brand moment that resonates with CSK supporters.

    Platinum Guild International (PGI)-India consumer marketing director Sujala Martis shared, “The Dhoni Signature Edition is more than just a collection it’s a tribute to the values and legacy of a true icon. This IPL, as Dhoni takes the field once again, we are giving fans powerful new ways to express their admiration. Just like platinum, Dhoni’s legacy is rare and enduring and this campaign honours that spirit.”

    Famous Innovations group creative director Tenzin Wangdi added, “Honourthe7 is a collective tribute, written by those who have watched, cheered, and been inspired by a legend.”

    Wavemaker chief client officer Shekhar Banerjee stated, “We have transformed fan tributes into timeless digital legacies, ensuring Dhoni’s enduring influence and the Men of Platinum philosophy shine brighter than ever.” 

  • Radio City presents “Cricket ka Blockbuster – Zabardast 70 with Sanjay Manjrekar”

    Radio City presents “Cricket ka Blockbuster – Zabardast 70 with Sanjay Manjrekar”

    Mumbai: Get ready to witness the ultimate cricketing spectacle as Radio City, has proudly announced the return of “Cricket ka Blockbuster – Zabardast 70 with Sanjay Manjrekar” for the 2024 season! After the incredible success of last time’s event, we’re back and ready to make this years’ experience even better. Cricket aficionados will witness a terrific journey where every moment is filled with excitement and adventure.

    Once again, the legendary Sanjay Manjrekar, is on board, bringing his charm and expertise to the event. Renowned for his insightful commentary and deep understanding of the game, Sanjay will add a touch of magic that elevates the entire experience. With 39 stations spanning the nation, Radio City is set to deliver a mesmerizing 70-day cricket showdown, fascinating fans through a multitude of touchpoints, both on-air and on digital platforms. Let’s gear up to celebrate the spirit of cricket like never before.

    Radio City CEO Ashit Kukian expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, stating, “We are super excited to present ‘Cricket ka Blockbuster – Zabardast Sattar with Sanjay Manjrekar’ for another exhilarating cricketing voyage. Radio City has always been at the forefront of delivering exceptional cricket content, and this year is no different. With Sanjay Manjrekar’s unmatched insights and our innovative programming, we aim to make this season an unforgettable experience for cricket enthusiasts nationwide.”

    Sanjay Manjrekar also shared his excitement, saying, “I am delighted to be a part of ‘Cricket ka Blockbuster’ once again. Cricket has always been my passion, and I am eager to engage with fans through my lens and behind-the-scenes stories. Together with Radio City, it is an endeavour to make this season even more thrilling and entertaining for cricket lovers across the country.”

    This year’s campaign promises a bundle of engaging activities, including the launch of the Blockbuster Anthem, capturing the celebratory spirit of the event with foot-thumping beats. Additionally, fans can look forward to “Match with Manjrekar,” offering in-depth analysis and exclusive insights into ongoing matches. The RJ-led segment, “RJ aur CRICKET Ki Jodi,” will provide score updates, interesting trivia, and exciting contests, enhancing audience engagement both on-air and on digital platforms.

    Other highlights include “DRINKS BREAKS per Laughter,” injecting humor into the game with cricket-themed jokes, and “GAME POINT,” a weekly Sunday show revealing the tournament’s highlights. Moreover, “Gaano ki Hat-trick” will indulge listeners with back-to-back musical hits, merging entertainment seamlessly with cricketing fervor.

    With a diverse range of engagement opportunities, “Cricket ka Blockbuster: Zabardast 70 with Sanjay Manjrekar” provides brands with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to connect with audiences from all demographics, ensuring maximum visibility and connection. Stay tuned!!!

  • Cricket veterans find October most suitable for IPL 2020

    Cricket veterans find October most suitable for IPL 2020

    MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been the talk of the town ever since it was cancelled for the first time on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cricket enthusiasts and all the stakeholders, including the brands associated with the league, are eagerly awaiting an outcome: postponement or an outright cancellation. Cricket veterans Harbhajan Singh, Ashish Nehra and Sanjay Manjrekar joined the conversation on the IPL’s future during a talk show, hosted by Jatin Sapru, called Cricket Connected, on Star Sports channels and Hotstar.

    Discussing the possibilities about the IPL, the cricket legends, sharing a common view, hoped that India’s biggest domestic tournament will be held in the near future. For the first time ever, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has suspended the sport-entertainment event till 15 April. However, it seems like the lockdown is likely to continue and the chances of holding the IPL anytime soon look bleak.

    As COVID-19 has forced to scrap almost all sporting events across the globe, sports broadcasters are trying alternatives. Cricket Connected is one of the by-products of Star India’s strategy to lure the sports enthusiasts to its channels. The new show will have both English and Hindi versions and will be shown every Saturday at 7 pm, starting from 4 April.

    The players discussed three windows: May-June, August-October. With the rising cases in India, the first seems most unlikely. The panel considered the second and third option via video call discussions.

    These possibilities can only be considered if there are changes in the cricket calendar of the year. In August, Caribbean Premier League, Asia Cup and England home seasons are scheduled, whereas the International Cricket Council T20 World Cup is scheduled in October.  

    “If choices are given, October would be more preferable than August, as the month falls under the rainy season,” former pacer Ashish Nehra, who last played for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, pointed out. “Also, if things normalise by June-July, a buffer of two-three months would help the tournament to regain momentum and settle the dust of the virus completely and cricket enthusiasts will also be seen on the stands cheering for their respective teams.”

    It has also been speculated that the stakeholders are thinking of holding a close-door stadium tournament. In this regard, Chennai Super Kings spinner Harbhajan Singh said: “As a player, I’ll definitely want the audience to be present on stands, but under the given circumstances, I don’t mind playing without spectators.”

    “There’s a possibility that we most likely will miss the vibe while playing closed-door matches as the audience builds enthusiasm and excitement for the game. They are important stakeholders during a live sporting event,” Singh said in his comment.

    Singh was replying to a Twitter user’s question, who asked about the closed-door option with hashtag #AskStar way before the chat show was scheduled.

    Comparing the IPL’s postponement with the tenth standard exam, the batsmen-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar believes that it won’t be cancelled, just postponed till COVID-19 ends. He said: “The moment we get clearance from all the authorities, IPL should kick-start the economy, as there are many people making a livelihood out of it.”

    Estimates are that close to $1.5 billion is riding behind the IPL in terms of advertising, sponsorships and ticket sales. Global advisory Duff & Phelps estimates a huge loss of at least Rs 1000 crore if IPL gets cancelled due to the pandemic.

  • ESPNcricinfo introduces four digital video series for World T20

    ESPNcricinfo introduces four digital video series for World T20

    NEW DELHI:  ESPNcricinfo is adding on to the cricket fever this World T20 with four exceptional flagship digital video series to bring the game closer to Indian fans. Providing comprehensive coverage of the global sporting event, ESPNcricinfo has introduced ‘Match Day’, ‘On the Road’, ‘Polite Enquiries’, and ‘Two Men Out’. The video series will set rolling on the website from 15 March and continue all through the World T20.
    Aired on ESPNcricinfo, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPNHD and the ESPNcricinfo mobile application, ‘Match Day’ will feature some of the most respected voices in cricket such as Ian Chappell and Mahela Jayawardene presenting match analysis with a unique perspective on the action. The presenters scheduled to be regulars in this series are legends and are popular for calling the game as they see it. The programme will be backed by insights into the successes, failures and key moments of the tournament.

    Speaking about ESPNcricinfo’s continuing focus to develop and deliver novel content for enhanced fan experiences across digital and television, ESPNcricinfo India and South Asia editor-in-chief Sambit Bal said, “ESPNcricinfo ‘Match Day’ brings to television all the values of the world’s premier digital cricket destination: credible voices, strong opinions, sharp insights, savvy with numbers, and the strengths of a global network. Ian Chappell, Ajit Agarkar and Sanjay Manjrekar are familiar names on ESPNcricinfo, and we are hugely excited about the television debut of Mahela Jayawardene, a World T20-winning player and a legend of the game. If we are to make only one promise, it will be this: our analysts will be calling it as they see it.”

    ESPN India and South Asia vice president Ramesh Kumar said, “In our endeavor to serve our cricket fans anytime, anywhere, ESPNcricinfo Match Day program during World T20 brings the best of ESPNcricinfo insights and analysis for every match on ESPNcricinfo digital media platforms globally. In India fans can also experience the program on Sony ESPN. The program is a perfect example of the multi-platform way that we are growing ESPNcricinfo, and highlights the value that is being unlocked for fans by our recent Sony ESPN agreement.”

    Following ‘Match Day’ fans can discover the sights and sounds of India with Melinda Farell with ‘ESPNcricinfo On The Road’ as she travels across the country on a cricketing pilgrimage. 

    A travel and features video series, ‘ESPNcricinfo On The Road’ provides fans a window to the World T20 tournament through multi-media content, social media integration and user generated content. The ESPNcricinfo On The Road microsite (link) will deliver of a mix of daily and weekly content that will be amplified on social media platforms including Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Vine, Instagram and YouTube. Not just that, the series will include a call to action for user- generated content through #ontheroad and #fandugout.

    ‘Polite enquiries’ is an interactive platform for fans, with cricket writer Jarrod Kimber and an ESPNcricinfo staff answer fan questions on Twitter. Through five episodes of light-hearted conversation, fans can send in any subject or question about cricket they may want answered.
    ‘Two men out’ will offer a quirky, yet incisive, take on recent events in the game by Kimber and popular British comedian Andy Zaltzman. The five-episode series will add a dash of humor to the TSexperience, thus augmenting fan engagement.

  • ESPNcricinfo introduces four digital video series for World T20

    ESPNcricinfo introduces four digital video series for World T20

    NEW DELHI:  ESPNcricinfo is adding on to the cricket fever this World T20 with four exceptional flagship digital video series to bring the game closer to Indian fans. Providing comprehensive coverage of the global sporting event, ESPNcricinfo has introduced ‘Match Day’, ‘On the Road’, ‘Polite Enquiries’, and ‘Two Men Out’. The video series will set rolling on the website from 15 March and continue all through the World T20.
    Aired on ESPNcricinfo, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPNHD and the ESPNcricinfo mobile application, ‘Match Day’ will feature some of the most respected voices in cricket such as Ian Chappell and Mahela Jayawardene presenting match analysis with a unique perspective on the action. The presenters scheduled to be regulars in this series are legends and are popular for calling the game as they see it. The programme will be backed by insights into the successes, failures and key moments of the tournament.

    Speaking about ESPNcricinfo’s continuing focus to develop and deliver novel content for enhanced fan experiences across digital and television, ESPNcricinfo India and South Asia editor-in-chief Sambit Bal said, “ESPNcricinfo ‘Match Day’ brings to television all the values of the world’s premier digital cricket destination: credible voices, strong opinions, sharp insights, savvy with numbers, and the strengths of a global network. Ian Chappell, Ajit Agarkar and Sanjay Manjrekar are familiar names on ESPNcricinfo, and we are hugely excited about the television debut of Mahela Jayawardene, a World T20-winning player and a legend of the game. If we are to make only one promise, it will be this: our analysts will be calling it as they see it.”

    ESPN India and South Asia vice president Ramesh Kumar said, “In our endeavor to serve our cricket fans anytime, anywhere, ESPNcricinfo Match Day program during World T20 brings the best of ESPNcricinfo insights and analysis for every match on ESPNcricinfo digital media platforms globally. In India fans can also experience the program on Sony ESPN. The program is a perfect example of the multi-platform way that we are growing ESPNcricinfo, and highlights the value that is being unlocked for fans by our recent Sony ESPN agreement.”

    Following ‘Match Day’ fans can discover the sights and sounds of India with Melinda Farell with ‘ESPNcricinfo On The Road’ as she travels across the country on a cricketing pilgrimage. 

    A travel and features video series, ‘ESPNcricinfo On The Road’ provides fans a window to the World T20 tournament through multi-media content, social media integration and user generated content. The ESPNcricinfo On The Road microsite (link) will deliver of a mix of daily and weekly content that will be amplified on social media platforms including Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Vine, Instagram and YouTube. Not just that, the series will include a call to action for user- generated content through #ontheroad and #fandugout.

    ‘Polite enquiries’ is an interactive platform for fans, with cricket writer Jarrod Kimber and an ESPNcricinfo staff answer fan questions on Twitter. Through five episodes of light-hearted conversation, fans can send in any subject or question about cricket they may want answered.
    ‘Two men out’ will offer a quirky, yet incisive, take on recent events in the game by Kimber and popular British comedian Andy Zaltzman. The five-episode series will add a dash of humor to the TSexperience, thus augmenting fan engagement.

  • Castrol launches campaign for cricket World Cup

    Castrol launches campaign for cricket World Cup

    MUMBAI: With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 round the corner and millions of cricket fans gearing up to support their favourite team, Castrol, Performance Partner of the ICC, has launched Castrol Activ ‘Cling on to the Cup’ campaign that will provide fans an opportunity to be right in the heart of the action through state of the art digital technology.

     

    The Castrol Activ ‘Cling on to the Cup’ campaign was kick-started with a live Google hangout where fans discussed the Indian team’s prospects and challenges with Castrol Activ panelists and cricketing stalwarts, Anil Kumble and Sanjay Manjrekar along with well-known cricket commentator and Castrol brand ambassador Harsha Bhogle. The hangout was a lively affair filled with some serious conversations as well as funny quips and comments from fans and panelists alike.

     

    Cricketing legend and Castrol Activ panelist Anil Kumble said, “Technology has become an integral part of our lives and Castrol with its reputation for pioneering product technology, has successfully harnessed digital technology and created a unique experience for all cricket fans. For the first time ever, cricket fans will be able to be present virtually in the stadium, in support of their favorite team.”

     

    Over the last five years, Castrol India has endeavoured to bring fans closer to the action and provide a more immersive and interactive experience. Castrol Activ ‘Cling on to the Cup’ campaign is a continuation of these efforts. Apart from the Castrol Activ Hangout, the campaign will include other initiatives that are interactive and engaging for the fans, bringing them closer to the action during the ICC Cricket World Cup in Australia & New Zealand.

     

    Commenting on the campaign Castrol vice president marketing – India & South Asia Soma Ghosh added, “Castrol is excited at the prospect of giving Indian fans the opportunity to cheer on their heroes at the ICC World Cup 2015. Over the last five years of Castrol’s association with the ICC, we have undertaken pioneering innovations, especially in the digital space, to make the game a more immersive and interactive experience for the fans. With campaigns such as Castrol Activ ‘Cling on to Cricket’ (during the ICC Champions Trophy 2013) and ‘Castrol Activ Scooter Zip factor’ (during the ICC T20 World Cup, 2014) have been trailblazing and successful campaigns. We are indeed excited about using new and innovative technology to make the fan experience more engaging and enjoyable.”

  • “ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will attract TV audience of 1 billion”: Andrew Robb

    “ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will attract TV audience of 1 billion”: Andrew Robb

    MUMBAI: The countdown to the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 has already begun with fans gearing up to watch the matches either on television or at the stadiums. Buoyant about the event, Australian Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Robb is of the opinion that it will engage one fifth of the world’s population. Robb said, “India and Australia are both blessed with the love for cricket. The upcoming World Cup will attract a TV audience of one billion!”

     

    Robb was speaking at the ‘Match Australia’ programme, which is part of the ongoing Australia Business Week being held in India. He had great admiration for the ‘God’ of Indian cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, who sadly will be missed at this year’s World Cup. “Tendulkar is not the God of Cricket just in India but also Australia,” he added.

     

    Post his revelations, a panel discussion brainstormed and analysed on the current form of the Indian and Australian cricket teams slated to participate for the World Cup. Joining the panel were cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle, former cricketer and current Cricket Australia board member Michael Kasprowicz and former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar. The session was moderated by sports columnist Ayaz Memon.

     

    Posing a question to Kasprowicz, Memon said, “Michael Clarke, who is recovering from a series of hamstring injuries, will be leading the Australian squad. From a fitness point of view, is it a wise decision?” In his reply, Kasprowicz said, “While that could be a concern, one needs to look at it at an overall point of view. It is a great, experienced and in my opinion a very balanced squad.” Manjrekar interjected saying that he found the overall game scenario in Australia changing, from a team that was earlier precise in decision making to today not being able to take a concrete call as in Clarke’s case. Kasprowicz didn’t differ with him as he agreed that the current scenario in Australian cricket was changing but only a bit, not more.

     

    Memon with his insights of the game took to another parallel of the game by asking, “With Dhoni announcing his retirement from test cricket, is the state of mind of the current squad going to be crucial? Will the decision and the World Cup redefine the role for MS Dhoni ahead?” Manjrekar was all praise for ‘captain cool’ by speaking about his prowess for the game. He found Dhoni to possess a unique character wherein he, with his decision-making and on-field abilities, was able to make up for half of the overall team. “Dhoni is not someone who is concerned about the history of the game. In fact he will not be able to name even five captains of the Indian cricket teams from the past, if questioned.” Not stopping there, he went on to mouth his own version of the famous ‘Mere Paas Ma Hai’ dialogue from Bollywood movie ‘Deewaar’ by looking at Kasprowicz teasingly and saying, “If you guys have Steve Smith and Mitchell Johnson, we have Mahendra Singh Dhoni.” While the audience cackled, Kasprowicz, not surprisingly, was unable to comprehend the humour.

     

    Memon then quizzed Bhogle about his biggest concern with regards to India’s squad for the upcoming event. The expert lamented, “India’s bowling skills are weakening a bit. If the bowling skills improve, we will have a great game. You don’t need to take many wickets but just bowl well.”

     

    The panel then moved to discussing whether India’s celebrity cricketer Virat Kohli could become the biggest pivot at the World Cup this year? Manjrekar said it was a treat to watch both Kohli and Steven Smith bat at the last India versus Australia test series. “Kohli will be a great contributor at the World Cup after Dhoni,” he expressed.

     

    The statement led to Memon asking the panel if India’s squad had the right balance of experienced as well as young players? Bhogle was the first to reply, saying, “With Tendulkar and most of the well known bowlers from the previous squad now gone, it looks very much younger but I know from the talent that was available to us, the best were picked.” Manjrekar added that one important feature of the World Cup was holding up one’s nerves even during the most testing times. He therefore was of the opinion that India’s squad had a balanced mix of young players as well as those who were not only experienced but also temperamentally strong.

     

    While the panel picked up their home teams as favourites to win for the World Cup, Kasprowicz concluded by saying, “I wish to see the finals being played between India and Australia at a packed Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) stadium with both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Tony Abbot in attendance.”

     

    Prior to the discussion Bhogle was honored with the ‘Friends of Australia’ award for his contribution to the game and helping foster better relations between the two countries. As part of the ‘Match Australia Programme,’ the gentlemen’s game will be used as an opportunity for investors to visit Australia, enjoy the game and also help boost commerce with a three day weekend programme. As part of the initiative, businessmen can attend investment roundtables on Fridays, followed by sight-seeing tours on Saturdays and by watching cricket matches at the stadium on Sundays.

     

  • ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 set to break broadcast records

    ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 set to break broadcast records

    MUMBAI: Television coverage of the ICC World Twenty20 Bangladesh 2014 is set to break all previous ICC events’ broadcast records.

     

    That coverage, produced and distributed by the ICC’s global media rights partner and host broadcaster, Star Sports, will have a potential reach of more than 1.8 billion viewers with live pictures shown by 29 broadcasters – both figures the highest ever for an ICC event.

     

    And it will be shown in more than 20 languages with pictures going across Europe via Eurosport and as far afield as Norway, Nepal, Afghanistan and the Pacific Islands.

     

    The production will be among the most sophisticated ever too, with 28 cameras, including seven ultra-motion cameras, Spidercam as well as graphics with key analytics, all of which will take the viewer right to the heart of the action.

     

    All 35 matches in the men’s tournament, plus all four of the warm-up matches in Mirpur, will be covered, as well as both semi-finals and the final of the women’s event.

     

    The complete list of broadcasters can be found here.

     

    And a host of legends of the game and experienced broadcasters will be on hand, with Ravi Shastri, Sanjay Manjrekar, Shaun Pollock, Ian Bishop, Sourav Ganguly, Shane Warne, Rameez Raja, Wasim Akram, Russel Arnold, Nick Knight, Nasser Hussain, Harsha Bhogle, Jonty Rhodes, Pommie Mbangwa, Athar Ali Khan, Danny Morrison, Alan Wilkins, Brian Murgatroyd, Isa Guha, Alison Mitchell and Melanie Jones on hand to analyse every moment.

     

    ICC Chief Executive David Richardson said: “We are delighted that more than a quarter of the world’s population will have access to live coverage from the World Twenty20 2014, thanks to ICC’s broadcast partners.

     

    “In addition to the expanded broadcast footprint, an enhanced production coverage and a world-class commentary team will provide for an excellent viewing experience for fans across the world.”

     

    Nitin Kukreja of Star Sports, said: “We are excited to bring to global cricket fans the fifth edition of the ICC World Twenty20. We remain committed to ever-enriching the viewing experience. This year’s edition will include innovations like LED stumps, increased focus on analytics and contextual graphics. The broadcast will go to 223 territories across the globe and will also be available on starsports.com in certain countries.”

     

    There will also be extensive radio coverage of the ICC World Twenty20. In Bangladesh, coverage will be provided by Betar Bangladesh and Radio Bhoomi. Outside of host country, the event will have radio coverage from Channel 2 (Middle East & North America), All India Radio (India) BBC (UK), SABC (South Africa), Sport Radio (New Zealand), 107 FM (Pakistan), Voice of Asia (Sri Lanka), Klass (Jamaica) and GML Radio (Trinidad). Channel 2 will also do live commentary on the internet via Cricket Radio.

     

    The list of radio broadcasters can be found here.

     

    The ICC has also tied up with news access agencies SNTV, Perform and Thomson Reuters to provide news broadcasters around the world with 90-second match highlights, subject to these highlights being used in bonafide news programmes within 24 hours of end of the relevant match, for editorial purposes only.