ITV

Tag: Sony Sports Network

  • RR Kabel serves up power as title sponsor of Prime Volleyball League

    RR Kabel serves up power as title sponsor of Prime Volleyball League

    MUMBAI: Talk about an electrifying partnership RR Kabel has spiked into the spotlight as the Title Sponsor of the Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia, just in time for its fourth edition. The announcement was made in Mumbai, where RR Kabel’s leadership sealed the deal alongside league organisers, unveiling the official match ball with plenty of flair.

    The tournament, set to begin 2 October 2025 in Hyderabad, will see 10 teams including debutants Goa Guardians battle it out across 38 matches and 21 action-packed days. The defending champions, Calicut Heroes, will face off against hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks in the opening clash. The stakes climb as the top four sides advance to the semi-finals on 24 October, with the grand finale scheduled for 26 October. Fans can catch all the high-energy action live on Sony Sports Network and the league’s Youtube channel.

    For RR Kabel, one of India’s leading wire and cable manufacturers, the tie-up is more than just branding, it’s about plugging into the spirit of sport. “Volleyball embodies energy, teamwork, and resilience values that resonate strongly with our brand,” said RR Global director Kirti Kabra calling the partnership “historic”. RR Kabel CMO Shishir Sharma added that the title sponsorship is a “commitment to fuelling India’s youthful, forward-looking spirit” through sport.

    The league itself has been steadily growing in scale and appeal. Baseline Ventures MD & co-founder Tuhin Mishra hailed the deal as proof of volleyball’s rising commercial traction. With RR Kabel on board, he believes Season 4 will deliver bigger visibility, more opportunities for players, and an expanding fan base across the country.

    From double-headers to do-or-die finals, the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League is gearing up to be India’s most electrifying sporting festival this October, a season where the game, quite literally, runs on power.

  • 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.
     

  • Sony bats big with Rag Rag Mein Bharat for Asia Cup 2025 roar

    Sony bats big with Rag Rag Mein Bharat for Asia Cup 2025 roar

    MUMBAI: When Suryakumar Yadav sends the ball sailing for six, India doesn’t just win a match 140 crore hearts leap together. That’s the pulse Sony Sports Network has bottled in its new campaign film, Rag Rag Mein Bharat, unveiled ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Set in a small-town courtyard, the film captures the quintessential India-Pakistan cricket moment: neighbours huddled around a TV, silence stretching as the bowler runs in, before erupting into dhol beats, tricolour waves and unfiltered joy. And to seal the sentiment, none other than Virender Sehwag delivers the rallying cry: “When it comes to India, 140 crore hearts beat as one.”

    Sony Pictures Networks India, chief revenue officer for distribution & international business and head of ports business Rajesh Kaul called the Asia Cup “one of the most iconic tournaments in world cricket.” He said #RagRagMeinBharat is a reminder of cricket’s power to transcend divides of age, gender, region and religion. “Having Sehwag embody that sentiment makes it even more powerful,” he added.

    For Sehwag himself, the campaign is a throwback to his own Asia Cup days. “Walking into the dressing room, you could feel the buzz even before stepping onto the field,” he recalled. “The chants, the energy fans weren’t just watching; they were living it with you. That’s what this film gets spot on.”

    The 17th edition of the Asia Cup, played in the UAE from 9–28 September 2025, will feature eight teams in a T20 format, with group stages leading into the Super Four and the final. India, the defending champions, enter the fray with a record eight Asia Cup titles under their belt.

    Rolling out in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu across Sony’s broadcast network, Sony Liv and social media, the campaign is less an ad and more a rallying anthem. For a nation where cricket is religion, Rag Rag Mein Bharat might just be the battle cry echoing through every living room, street corner and stadium.

  • Kabaddi gets a capital lift as UPKL hits Rs 238 crore in valuation

    Kabaddi gets a capital lift as UPKL hits Rs 238 crore in valuation

     MUMBAI: Mat talk turns money talk and UPKL is wrestling its way to the top of India’s sports scene. The Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) has thrown down the gauntlet and picked up a valuation tag of Rs 238 crore, cementing its status as one of India’s fastest-growing sports properties. Its creator and operator, SJ Uplift Kabaddi Pvt Ltd, has not only built a regional league, but a nationwide movement with global potential all in its very first season.

    Launched in 2024, the debut edition of UPKL featured eight franchise-based teams, capturing hearts in small towns and big cities alike. The data tells the story: according to BARC, over 30 million television viewers tuned in across India, while digital platforms clocked 300 million impressions.

    Sony Sports Network (on Sports Ten 1 and Ten 3), DD Sports, and Fancode collectively broadcast the matches, ensuring a multi-platform footprint that reached deep into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

    SJ Uplift’s Founder and Director Sambhav Jain attributes the league’s soaring valuation to “the growing popularity and resonance” of the UPKL format. He added, “This valuation reaffirms our belief in grassroots sports and the immense, untapped potential of regional talent. The overwhelming response from fans, franchises and brands proves we’re building something bigger than just a league.”

    Backed by a vision to scale kabaddi into a globally recognised sport, Jain sees UPKL not just as a commercial vehicle but as a cultural movement. With plans to build a sustainable ecosystem for athletes, fans and sponsors, SJ Uplift is already eyeing expansion, new partnerships, and greater professionalisation in the seasons ahead.

    UPKL’s debut season is not just a sporting win, it’s a statement. With a Rs 238 crore valuation, deep-rooted audience traction, and a hyperlocal-to-global narrative, it’s making regional kabaddi not just prime-time entertainment, but premium IP.

    From dusty courts to digital charts the future of Indian kabaddi is looking like a full-body slam dunk.

    (If you are an Anime fan and love Anime like Demon Slayer, Spy X Family, Hunter X Hunter, Tokyo Revengers, Dan Da Dan and Slime, Buy your favourite Anime merchandise on AnimeOriginals.com.)

  • Sony Sports doubles down on desi connect with new Tamil and Telugu channels

    Sony Sports doubles down on desi connect with new Tamil and Telugu channels

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network is speaking the language of Indian fans literally. From 10 July 2025, the broadcaster will launch Sony Sports Ten 4 Tamil and Sony Sports Ten 4 Telugu, two standalone sports channels tailored exclusively for Tamil- and Telugu-speaking audiences.

    With this move, the network is not just adding channels—it’s sharpening its pitch. The new avatars promise culturally resonant, language-specific programming designed to deliver premium sports entertainment straight to the heartlands, with zero translation lag and 100 per cent local flavour.

    The Hindi feed is also getting a style upgrade. The current Sony Sports Ten 3 (SD) and Ten 3 HD channels will be rechristened Sony Sports Ten 3 Hindi and Sony Sports Ten 3 Hindi HD, making the offering crystal clear for viewers switching between formats.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer – distribution & international business and head – sports business, Rajesh Kaul said, “The launch of Sony Sports Ten 4 Tamil and Sony Sports Ten 4 Telugu is our endeavour to provide localized content on dedicated Tamil and Telugu sports channels that make it easier than ever for fans to enjoy their favourite sporting moments in the language of their choice. This launch is about creating a seamless viewing experience and building a stronger emotional connection with our audiences in the regional markets.We aim to bring premium sports content closer to home and deliver the joy of live sports in a way that feels personal and relevant.”

    This regional realignment underscores Sony’s commitment to offering more personalised, emotionally connected viewing experiences. For fans who cheer in their mother tongue, the message is loud and clear: your game, your language, your channel.

  • India’s ‘60 overs of hell’ roar back on screen as Sony Sports cues up docuseries on epic England tour

    India’s ‘60 overs of hell’ roar back on screen as Sony Sports cues up docuseries on epic England tour

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network is serving cricket fans a piping hot platter of drama, nostalgia and chin music with Bharat Tum Chale Chalo – Kahani 2021-22 Ki, a gritty three-part docuseries that rewinds to one of India’s most unforgettable Test cricket campaigns — the 2021-22 tour of England. Premiering on Sunday, 15 June at 1pm across Sony Sports Ten 1, 3, 4, and 5 — and streaming on Sony LIV — the series pulls back the curtain on India’s high-octane cricketing crusade on British soil.

    Fresh from their famous Gabba heist Down Under, the Men in Blue marched into England with a searing pace battery and a score to settle. From Lord’s “60 overs of hell” to Rohit’s bat-does-the-talking moment and the leadership shake-up that had fans glued, this is cricketing cinema with sweat, swagger and plenty of sledging.

    The series ropes in a solid bench of voices who lived and breathed the campaign — from former India head coach Ravi Shastri and England’s Michael Vaughan, to bowling coach Bharat Arun, fielding wizard R. Sridhar, and Kohli and Rohit’s childhood coaches. With spicy anecdotes and rare behind-the-scenes footage, this is not just a docuseries — it’s a dressing-room pass.

    Episode guide:

    Episode 1: Pace is pace

    Virat Kohli’s long game — building a ruthless pace attack since 2014 — gets its due. Bumrah, Shami, Siraj and Shardul bowl fire and fury into Lord’s, scripting one of India’s grittiest away glories.

    Episode 2: Let the bat talk

    A redemption arc for the ages: Kohli v Anderson, Rahul’s zen mode, and Rohit’s evolution into a dependable Test opener — capped by that sweet, sweet overseas ton.

    Episode 3: Oh captain, my captain

    When the final Test got postponed, so did destiny. With Kohli stepping down and Bumrah stepping in, England entered the Bazball era. The finale dives into legacy, leadership, and all the ‘what-ifs’ still echoing at Old Trafford.

    Timed to perfection ahead of the upcoming India-England clash, this is Sony Sports Network reminding fans why red-ball cricket still packs the biggest punch.

  • 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.

  • Pro Panja League season two returns to Sony Sports on 5 August 2025

    Pro Panja League season two returns to Sony Sports on 5 August 2025

    MUMBAI: Pro Panja League, is set to return with its second season on Sony Sports Network from 5 August 2025, right after the India vs England cricket series wraps up. The league will air daily for two hours on Sony Sports Ten 3 channels (SD and HD), ensuring viewers enjoy an uninterrupted run of top-tier sporting action.

    Riding high on the success of its debut edition, the tournament known for its IPL-style franchise format promises 17 action-packed days of gripping arm wrestling battles as top athletes from across India clash for glory. Season one saw Kochi KD’s emerge as champions after a nail-biting final.

    The comeback of Pro Panja comes amid growing enthusiasm for the sport. Season one attracted 32 million unique viewers across Sony Sports and Doordarshan, outperforming several new sporting leagues in India, according to BARC data.

    Pro Panja League co-founder Parvinn Dabass said, “The response to our first season was beyond expectations. Arm wrestling has evolved into a professional sport with rising athlete standards and packed arenas our Mizoram showcase saw crowds of up to 20,000. Season two will raise the bar even higher.”

    With elevated production, intense rivalries, and a fan base that’s rapidly expanding, Pro Panja League is poised to become a household favourite, bringing the thrill of raw strength and strategy into living rooms nationwide.

  • Sony Sports Network secures PCB and PSL exclusive broadcast rights

    Sony Sports Network secures PCB and PSL exclusive broadcast rights

    MUMBAI: Sony Sports Network has once again raised the stakes in live cricket broadcasting, securing exclusive television rights for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) home matches and the highly anticipated 2025 Pakistan Super League (PSL). With this move, Sony cements its position as the go-to destination for cricket lovers across the Indian subcontinent, offering fans over 1,800 hours of live cricket in 2025.

    This broadcasting deal covers all of Pakistan’s home bilateral series, a tri-nation tournament, and the full 34-match PSL season, making it a significant addition to Sony’s ever-expanding cricket coverage. The television rights are exclusive for India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, and Myanmar, while in Bangladesh, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka, Sony will broadcast the matches on a non-exclusive basis.

    The agreement kicked off with the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and south Africa. Fans can now look forward to a jam-packed cricket calendar on Sony Sports Network, which will air the following series in 2025:

    . Pakistan Super League (April – May): 34 matches

    .  Pakistan vs. Bangladesh (May): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Afghanistan (August): 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Ireland (September): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. south Africa (October): 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    .  Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka (November): 3 ODIs, 3 T20Is

    With the addition of PCB’s broadcasting rights, Sony Sports Network continues to bolster its cricket programming, which already includes rights for New Zealand Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). This latest deal further solidifies Sony’s dominance in the cricket broadcasting landscape, bringing fans even more live-action and archival content, including classic India vs. Pakistan encounters.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPN) CRO – distribution and international business & head – sports business, Rajesh Kaul  stated, “Sony Sports Network’s key goals includes delivering the best cricketing action to our viewers.  To that end, we are continuously enhancing our cricket offerings, and 2025 is set to be a landmark year with over 1800 hours of live cricket on Sony Sports Network. Through this deal, we also have access to great archival content that includes Pakistan vs India matches that we will also showcase on our network. The acquisition of the Pakistan Cricket Board rights along with New Zealand Cricket, England and Wales Cricket Board, Sri Lanka Cricket and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) positions us as the premier destination for cricket in India.”

    With this strategic acquisition, Sony Sports Network is all set to offer an uninterrupted cricketing experience, making it a must-watch hub for fans in 2025. Whether it’s the thrill of PSL, gripping bilateral series, or nostalgic archival showdowns, Sony is ensuring that cricket lovers never miss a moment of the action.