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Tag: Star Sports

  • Cricket live show – reigning over 400 million viewers on TV

    Cricket live show – reigning over 400 million viewers on TV

    Cricket Live – The pre/post-match show surrounding live matches on Star Sports during cricket mega events like TATA IPL and Cricket World Cups has for long delivered an astounding scale on television. In TATA IPL 2023 Cricket Live reached 407 million viewers on Star Sports, a scale like never before (BARC). In the ongoing season of TATA IPL, the show has already reached 334 million unique viewers in just 29 days, a new record for Star Sports. In fact, as per BARC 80% of the live match viewers on television watch Cricket Live. 

    Star Sports

    The Ultimate ‘Impact’ Show

    As per BARC, in less than 30 days, Amul Cricket Live has amassed 344 million viewers, a scale like never before on Star Sports during the Incredible Premier League. Just a month’s reach of Cricket Live is 3X or more of the full season reach of the largest shows on television including reality, comedy and dance shows which range between 100-120mn. In fact,a full season’s reach of Cricket Live on television is almost equivalent to the combined reach of these shows. Even the single day reach of Cricket Live on TV in the TATA IPL Final last year was 126 million, equivalent to the full season reach of the biggest reality show of the year. 

    Star Sports

    Viewership Growth Across Audience Segments on Cricket Live

    The unrivaled passion for cricket has attracted viewers across segments on Cricket Live and the viewership growth across these segments has been robust over the last couple of editions. 45% of Cricket Live viewers on TV are female, growing by a staggering40% over 2022. Youth is another segment that has showcased a massive increase growing 40% over two editions. In terms of affluent viewers, Cricket Live has witnessed a 35% growth in viewership, showcasing high affinity towards premium audiences. (BARC Data)

    High Impact Visibility Across the Star Sports Network

    Cricket Live is broadcast across the Star Sports network,spanning across multiple language feeds, bringing in a regional flavor to the broadcast. Featuring across these feeds are 100+ cricket legends and experts joining a host of TV anchors that have become household names in India. 

    Stay tuned to know more about the ways in which brands leverage Cricket Live. 
     

  • Mike Davies charts Fox Sports’ production & broadcast future!

    Mike Davies charts Fox Sports’ production & broadcast future!

    Mumbai: The Sports Video Group, admirably known as “SVG”, was formed in 2006 to support the professional community that relies on video, audio, and broadband technologies to produce and distribute sports content. Formed in the U.S, the organisation has expanded to include a European division and also has hosted events in Australia, Japan, and Singapore.

    Their aim is to advance the creation, production, and distribution of sports content along with providing knowledge for the growing community of sports video professionals working for broadcast and broadband organisations, schools and leagues, followed by facilitating a dialogue with manufacturers, suppliers and technology developers that improves the quality and profitability of sports programming.

    Star Sports hosted the SVG Summit in Mumbai, marking the first time this event was held in India. The event brought together top-level executives from the TV sports production community for a day of networking, tours, panel discussions, technical presentations etc.

    Indiantelevision.com on the sidelines of the event, caught up with Fox Sports, EVP, Technical and Field Operations; SVG U.S., Mike Davies. During this interview, Davies shared some valuable insights ranging from collaborative efforts between the US and Indian ecosystems to the exciting future of production and broadcast.

    Edited excerpts

    On collaborations between the US and India ecosystems playing a role in Fox Sports’ production strategies

    There are a lot of passionate people in India. In fact with Star and Fox, we used to be the same company and would have formal gatherings to collaborate. We would obviously learn a lot from each other. There’s a lot of similarities between cricket and baseball, also a lot of similarities between the studio shows we do. Its really about seeing what has worked, and what hasn’t worked at each other’s network. It’s just about collaboration and sharing. It doesn’t happen without the people like Sanjog and PK, and some of the people on my team. The bottom line is we just get along.

    On balancing traditional broadcasting methods with emerging digital platforms as consumers are switching their preferences from cable TV to OTT services

    Well I think the emerging services can help to support linear and cable offerings in a couple ways. They certainly are more dimensional than it can be donated to a given program or sport, athlete etc. But in terms of live sports on digital, it does allow us to go that much deeper. In the United States, we got college sports like field hockey, softball and different things. Hopefully, those types of sports will become sports that you can watch on linear television in the future.

    On some of the biggest challenges you face in maintaining high-quality production standards across diverse sporting events

    The challenges are basically balancing cost to quality. In general, technology is supplied and hence good methods have been able to achieve them. For instance, we talked a lot about remote productions, cloud productions etc. Applying these technological tools can solve doing programs that commensurate with the audience for which they apply. For instance, a small college basketball game doesn’t get the same production budget as a major league game does. But you’re still able to make it look good and you don’t have things that look great on your network, things that look garbage. They may not have as many cameras that look good because of this kind of technology.

    On data analytics and AI impacting the sports broadcasting, particularly at Fox Sports

    If you talk about what goes on the screen, we at Fox Sports certainly get into the sports analytics, but not at the expense of telling actual stories or drama of what’s going on. We like visuals. We use analytics to form visuals that can help our audience to extract more data points out of the story, but not at the expense of becoming too techie or too statistically oriented. Now that’s not true for everybody, that’s just our take.

    On trends that would shape the future of production and broadcast media

    Well Sanjog said a lot about it during the event and I think this is why we are so aligned. You got several trends in quality meaning high dynamic range in 4k which is a big one. Trends in personalisation, and customisation is that adds something that we could achieve to bring individual fans closer to our sports and being able to constantly evolve to meet the needs of our audience, because if you look at a game, say for example an American football game this season and then you look at one five years ago or ten years ago, you will see all the changes whether be in presentations, graphics etc. Also I think that our audience, especially our younger ones, hopefully can tolerate a little bit of information on screens, a few more quicker cuts or maybe multiple windows replaced on more screens etc, and those were some things which we never even can think about in the last five to ten years. 

  • IPL 2024 on Star Sports: Sign language commentary, 4K with Atmos & more

    IPL 2024 on Star Sports: Sign language commentary, 4K with Atmos & more

    Mumbai: The TATA IPL 2024 on Star Sports couldn’t have asked for a better start. While the action on the field has lived up to its billing, Star Sports has pulled out all stops to ensure that the overall broadcast experience has been surreal for viewers and fans, providing a 360-degree compelling proposition to revel under the ultimate experience of watching the TATA IPL 2024.

    With the latest data from BARC revealing staggering numbers, it’s evident that the audience response has been phenomenal. Disney Star has registered a cumulative reach of 44.8 crore viewers for the first 22 days (26 matches) of TATA IPL 2024, garnering 18,800 crore minutes of total watch time. This represents an eight per cent increase in cumulative reach compared to the last season, while match ratings (TVR) have grown by an impressive 15 per cent. It’s clear that the top-notch broadcast quality has resonated deeply with a wide variety of audiences, making Disney Star the ultimate destination for the IPL faithful.

    The broadcaster has delighted fans and redrawn the lines of sport broadcasting with a variety of tech features for TATA IPL 2024:

    1.  Sign language commentary: In a ground-breaking initiative, Star Sports has introduced sign language commentary for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired fans. With the objective of making the TATA IPL inclusive for all, differently abled fans can enjoy the thrill of the game with descriptive commentary and inclusive features.

     

     

     

     

    2.  AI tech enhancements: The future of sports broadcasting is now with Disney Star’s AI-driven enhancements for TATA IPL 2024. The first-of-its-kind translation feature allows international commentators to speak regional Indian languages in their original voice, connecting with a wider audience and enhancing engagement. A recent demonstration featuring international cricketing stars Steve Smith and Stuart Broad speaking regional Indian languages showcased the seamless nature of this technology, effectively eliminating language barriers for viewers across diverse regions.

    3.  Shor meter excitement measurement: Viewers watching the TATA IPL 2024 at home can feel the pulse of the crowd with the ‘Shor Meter’ excitement measurement feature. Fans can quantify the thrill of every high-octane match as the ‘Shor Meter’ measures audience engagement in the stadium through decibel levels in real-time.

    4.  Teleportation and mixed reality shows: Step into the future of sports broadcasting with Star Sports’ innovative Teleportation and Mixed Reality technology. The pre and post-shows ‘Cricket Live’ feature live talent from remote locations, seamlessly integrated into the studio environment using Hololens and Player 3D Replay.

    5.  4K feed with Atmos sound: With the state-of-the-art 4K feed featuring Atmos sound, fans tuning in to Star Sports can witness every moment in stunning detail, with vibrant colours, smooth pictures, and enhanced clarity. With zero buffering and lifelike audio, the 4K feed delivers an unparalleled viewing experience that brings the excitement of the IPL to life like never before:

    i  Sharp Clarity: 3840×2160 (4K) is four times the pixels as compared to 1920×1080 (HD). More number of pixels ensures phenomenal clarity in pictures.

    ii 50fps: Smooth pictures, life-like

    iii Enhanced Colours: Thanks to HDR10 (if you have an HDR compatible TV), the colours look vibrant

    iv Zero Buffering: Set top boxes ensure the feed that you are watching on TV stays constant, unlike streaming when the stream quality changes due to internet fluctuations

    v Enhanced Audio: Powered by Dolby Atmos, this is the most immersive audio experience that a viewer can get while watching an IPL game

    (Currently available on ‘Airtel XStream’ and ‘Tata Play Binge’ set top boxes.)

    6.  Star Cam: Features like the ‘Star Cam’ provide focused feeds of team captains, ensuring fans never miss pivotal moments on the field. From monitoring tactics and player interactions to joining in on the celebratory moments, the ‘Hero Cam’ provides an immersive viewing experience that brings fans right into the heart of the action.

    7.  Piero analysis and immersive visual experiences: Fans can experience the game like never before with Piero Analysis, an advanced technology that offers enhanced storytelling capabilities by delivering match clips remotely from the studio. Viewers can dive deep into the action with Player 3D Models and Hyperview technology, which will provide immersive visual experiences and predictive analyses throughout the tournament.

    8.  Dolby Vision production: Witness the magic of the IPL in stunning detail with the Dolby Vision production. Fans can experience every moment with incredible clarity and vivid imagery, as Star Sports brings the action to life like never before. With Dolby Vision, every match becomes an immersive spectacle that transports viewers to the heart of the game.

    9.  Interactive features with Glance and ESPNCricinfo: Now viewers and fans can engage with the game on a whole new level with interactive features developed in collaboration with Glance and ESPNCricinfo. Play & Watch allows fans to participate in real-time games of skill while watching matches, adding a new dimension to the viewing experience. The collaboration also provides viewers with Real-time Highlights, Key Moments, and Comprehensive Statistics, providing insights and analysis at their fingertips.

    10.  Multilingual coverage: The IPL can now be consumed in the viewers preferred language with Star Sports multilingual coverage. With 9 language feeds for the IPL and with a line-up of renowned experts and commentators, Star Sports ensures that every fan can enjoy the game in their native language, enhancing the viewing experience for all.

    As the TATA IPL 2024 unfolds, Star Sports continues to raise the bar for sports broadcasting, offering fans an unparalleled experience that transcends traditional boundaries. With a blend of futuristic technologies, inclusive initiatives, and immersive storytelling, Star Sports ensures that every fan, regardless of ability or background, can fully immerse themselves in the thrill of the game.

    Watch thrilling action from the TATA IPL 2024 LIVE on the Star Sports Network from 22 -26 March 2024, 7.30 pm onwards.

  • IPL soundtrack captivates nationwide with over 20,000 reels

    IPL soundtrack captivates nationwide with over 20,000 reels

    Mumbai: From stadium roars to heart-pounding beats, experience the magic of cricket like never before this season. The vibrant sound of IPL soundtracks, released by Star Sports and II Music, features three songs, namely ‘Vaa Thala,’ ‘Kohli Calling,’ which are dedicated to the brilliance of two of cricket’s most celebrated figures: Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni. These songs are available in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Meanwhile, ‘Saath Aa Ke Rang Jamalo’ is dedicated to the fans and is additionally available in Bengali, Malayalam, and Marathi.

    This initiative aims to infuse the IPLonStar experience with electrifying soundtracks, enhancing the excitement and fervour surrounding the event. The Sound of IPL promises to elevate the IPLonStar journey to unprecedented heights, captivating audiences with its carefully curated collection of songs.

    Sung by Burrah, penned & composed by Akshay Raje Shinde, ‘Kohli Kohling’ has all the makings of a chant that will take over stadiums everywhere. The Punjabi rapper, pop singer, and songwriter, Burrah has made many viral appearances on MTV Hustle and boasts a growing fan following that swears by his multiple talents. ‘Kohli Kohling’ is an anthem that celebrates the phenomenal career of Virat Kohli. The song is bound to become a fan favourite, echoing in stadiums across the nation.

    ‘Kohli Kohling’ features an electrifying music video that perfectly captures the powerful ode to Kohli’s relentless spirit on-field. Showcasing thrilling glimpses of our very loved Kohli himself, it enhances the overall experience, making it even more memorable. This captivating video will be a delight for viewers on Star Sports.

    ‘Vaa Thala’ is a foot-stomping anthem dedicated to the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Sung by the soulful Achu Rajamani, the song takes fans on a nostalgic journey, revisiting Dhoni’s remarkable achievements and his iconic status as Captain Cool. This energetic track, with its catchy lyrics and southern flavour, is sure to unite the ‘Whistle Podu Army’ and set the tone for an unforgettable IPL season. ‘Vaa Thala’ is much more than a track, it is an emotion that encapsulates the love and respect India harbours for Dhoni.

    The third track “Saath Aa Ke Rang Jamalo” emerges as the vibrant anthem celebrating the excitement of fans across the country that accompany the Indian Premier League (IPL). The anthem highlights the multifaceted personas fans embody as they come together to enjoy the cricketing extravaganza. It also captures the true joy of unity and fervour shared among fans, accentuating the unparalleled experience of watching IPL together.

    Sharing views on three songs, Star Sports Spokesperson said, “At Star Sports, we always work towards elevating the IPL experience for fans worldwide. Whether cheering for Virat Kohli’s electrifying play or reliving Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s iconic moments, the #IPLonStar soundtrack brings the passion of cricket and its legends to life. We believe these anthems will resonate with the entire cricket community, igniting stadiums and living rooms alike”

    II Music co-founder Rohit Sobti said “Crafting a song that celebrates the magic of legendary cricket starts is one of II Music’s proudest moments. ‘Captain Cool’ is undeniably an unforgettable part of all our memories, while ‘Kohli Kohling’ resonates deeply with fans of the king of cricket. These anthems transcend mere melodies, becoming cherished moments etched in the hearts of listeners. As a platform dedicated to showcasing diverse genres of music, we are thrilled to collaborate on these iconic chants.

    Talking about his latest track, Burrah said, “As an artist and a diehard fan of Virat Kohli, crafting a melody that honours his genius is a fulfilment of a lifelong dream. The journey of composing this track has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with moments of inspiration and creativity. I am confident that just as I poured my heart and soul into its creation, fans will resonate deeply with this anthem, finding joy and celebration in its rhythms. This song is not just a creation; it’s a shared experience—a tribute from fans, for fans, and by fans, uniting us all in our admiration for the only our man of cricket.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the song, Akshay Raje Shinde said, “The essence of ‘Kohli Kohling’ is deeply rooted in my admiration for Virat Kohli. Inspired by his iconic moments, whether it’s the unforgettable six against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup or his unmatched vitality on the field, our song endeavours to encapsulate every facet of Kohli’s persona that sets him apart. From his strong determination to his electric presence, ‘Kohli Kohling’ aims to celebrate the essence of the man who embodies cricketing greatness.”

    Echoing similar thoughts, singer Achu Rajamani said, “The mere opportunity of paying a musical ode to the beloved Thala Dhoni is a dream come true. He is truly the adopted son of Chennai, and to be able to celebrate him through a song is any artist’s honour. I can’t stop myself from shaking a leg whenever I listen to this tune, and I’m sure fans will have the same reaction this IPL season”.

    IPL mania is on an all-time high, and with Star Sports and II Music’s latest collaboration, India is all set to party like never before with #IPLonStar. Come, be part of the celebration! Tune in to ‘Vaa Thala’, “Kohli Calling” and “Saath Aa Ke Rang Jamalo” under the collaborated album Sound of #IPLonStar now. Stream Now

    https://bfan.link/sound-of-iplonstar-hindi

    https://bfan.link/sound-of-iplonstar-tamil

    https://bfan.link/sound-of-iplonstar-telugu

  • Meta and Star Sports forge partnership with 250+ creators to elevate IPL 2024 fan experience

    Meta and Star Sports forge partnership with 250+ creators to elevate IPL 2024 fan experience

    Mumbai: In a bid to amplify discussions and celebrate the cricket frenzy, Meta has embarked on a collaborative journey with over 250 content creators, uniting voices on Threads during the ongoing tournament. According to the 2024 GenZ Trend Talk report reveals a staggering statistic: over 90 percent of teens proudly identify themselves as part of a fandom, with cricket emerging as a primary passion. This fervor was unmistakably palpable during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, which garnered a staggering 16.9 billion views on ICC’s platforms on Meta, a trend that continues to resonate today.

    Some of these accounts include:

    Teams – Chennai Super Kings, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

    Experts – ex cricketer Akash Chopra, sports presenter Ridhima Pathak and analyst Mufaddal Vohra.

    Creators – Naveen Singh aka bihariladka, Shreyas Mendiratta and Deepika Venkatachalam aka deepika_v__

    “The current cricket fever is all about intense rivalries, passionate involvement and strong fan following. With platforms like Threads that enable fans and experts to voice their opinions and Instagram that allows fans and athletes to share moments and create unique content related to the games, we are dedicated to heighten this excitement through our partnerships and collaborations with creators from all over India. We’re thankful to our partners like Star Sports as well, to join in this journey,” said Meta, India director, Content and Community Partnerships Paras Sharma.

    Meta has teamed up with Star Sports, as was done during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, to create engaging experiences for fans throughout the tournament. This is being achieved through regular interventions at various touchpoints, stated the company.

    ‘Ask Star’ – During a live match, fans can submit their questions to the commentary team at Star Sports on Threads, who will then select some of them to answer.

    ‘Ajab Gajab T20 Challenge’ – Star Sports developed a one-of-a-kind concept where former cricketers and a group of content creators played a game of box cricket before the start of the tournament. The participants included cricketers such as Harbhajan Singh, Irfaan Pathan, and Steve Smith, as well as content creators like Naveen Singh, Dharna Durga and Rishabh Shukla. This event was broadcasted on Star Sports and also available on reels for fans to watch.

    ‘Shor Squad’ – A group of selected creators will have the opportunity to have their reels broadcasted live during the matches.

    “At Star Sports, our mission is to enhance the cricketing experience for fans across every platform. We are thrilled to bring the cricket extravaganza to life through our Creator Network program, joining hands with top creators and influencers to deliver an immersive experience by dialing up fan engagement, with initiatives like ‘Ask Star’ (Give fans a chance to ask questions to their favorite cricketing expert), ‘Dream Job’ (A chance to become an anchor on Star Sports) and the ‘Ajab Gajab T20 Challenge’ (A mixed team match between cricketing heroes & fans). Together with Meta, we’re redefining fan engagement and are committed to creating unforgettable money can’t buy experiences for every cricket enthusiast, uniting fans in the spirit of the game,” said Star Sports marketing head Vikram Passi.

    In addition to partnerships with broadcasting giants, Meta has also forged alliances with cricketing powerhouses like Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders. Through collaborative efforts such as creator days, content creators were given the unparalleled opportunity to interact and collaborate with teams and players, further enriching the fan experience.

  • Star Sports launches ‘Star Creators Network’

    Star Sports launches ‘Star Creators Network’

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2024, is launching a first-of-its-kind initiative in India – the Star Creator’s Network – in collaboration with some of the most influential and promising content creators across the social media landscape. The endeavour seeks to bring together the cricketing universe with the world of content creators in a collaborative effort to deeply engage sports fans and digital audiences. It offers creators the opportunity to build content around themes and narratives relevant to #IPLonStar and have its cricket coverage benefit from the creativity and following of the selected creators.

    The endeavour entails several initiatives starting with an electrifying box cricket challenge “Ajab Gajab T20 Challenge” which involved select Content creators such as Abhishek Malhan, Akshay Gupta, Raj Varma, Thugesh and more playing alongside modern greats of the game like Steve Smith, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Ambati Rayudu and more, who’re a part of Star Sports’ commentary panel for TATA IPL 2024. The initiative was aimed at bringing out the sporting side of creators and the fun side of modern Cricketers, creating moments of rivalry and entertainment. All the action from the “Ajab Gajab T20 Challenge” will be aired on Star Sports Network on 27 March at 4.30 pm.

    Star Sports has also collaborated with Asia’s #1 YouTuber, Carry Minati. The 24-year-old Delhi-based creator who is widely loved for his satirical roast videos, parodies and gaming content will host ‘Cheeky Singles’ after Tanmay Bhat & his gang hosted it during IPL last year. The show entails Carry’s take on the week of Cricket gone by and on contextual themes emerging among passionate fans, presented in his inimitable style. The episodes will air every weekend at 12.30 pm.

    Speaking about the Star Creators Network, Star Sports spokesperson said, “Content creation and social engagement shape the way fans interact with their favourite sport. Our Creator Network Program represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to deepen the passion and grow fandom for the sport. By harnessing the power of creators, their connections/influence and providing them a platform like Star Sports, we can create compelling content that resonates with digital natives, helping foster deeper appreciation of the game we love and our brand.”

    Star Sports has also teamed up with Madan Gowri, one of the top content creators in Tamil, to spice up CSK match-days. Madan Gowri will curate fan reels, produce vlogs and take fan questions, which he will get Star Sports Tamil experts to answer. Gaming influencer Ocean Sharma and Food & Travel vlogger Sahiba Bali have also been enlisted to present Star Sports’ coverage of TATA IPL 2024.

    As part of its Star Nahi Far initiative, Star Sports is also giving select content creators the chance to engage with IPL captains in a bid to explore never-seen-before dimensions to the Cricketers’ profile.

    The endeavour is not limited to established creators but also seeks to unravel emerging talent and help them build their profile as a sports content creator. ‘Dream Job’ presents a thrilling opportunity for aspiring creators across India, inviting them to embark on an engaging 8-week challenge centred around captivating themes of the IPL. The ultimate prize awaits the winner—an esteemed chance to become an anchor on Star Sports during the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This career-defining moment offers unparalleled exposure to the creator on a global stage.

    Speaking on the lifetime opportunity, Jatin Sapru, the winner of Star Sports’ talent hunt in 2007, said, “I’m immensely grateful to be in this position, having won Dream Job in 2007 and now looking for the next anchor. ‘Dream Job’ isn’t just a title; it’s a life-changing opportunity for content creators. It’s a platform where passion meets profession, where dreams find wings to soar. With the depth of talent in our country currently, I would recommend that everyone embraces the journey and cherishes every moment, for it’s not just about winning; it’s about the transformative power of pursuing what you love. I can also assure you that this is a ‘Dream Job!’”

    In collaboration with Meta, Star Sports will also engage with content creators representing each of the 10 regions represented by IPL teams to expression passion, fandom and support. Star Sports aims to foster a deeper sense of community engagement while showcasing the vibrant diversity of the Cricketing landscape like never before.

    These initiatives underscore Star Sports’ commitment to nurturing the thriving creator ecosystem and enabling creators to produce compelling content which resonates with sports fans as well as their own audiences. The ambition of the Star Creators Network will be to make the new season of #IPLonStar truly memorable.

    Watch Tata IPL live on the Star Sports network starting 22 March 2024.

  • Star Sports’ AI innovations expand international commentators’ reach in Tata IPL 2024

    Star Sports’ AI innovations expand international commentators’ reach in Tata IPL 2024

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of TATA IPL 2024, gears up to redefine how fans experience the marquee tournament with a host of state-of-the-art technological innovations. Leading the charge is the introduction of AI-driven enhancements, including an innovative translation feature that allows international commentators to speak Hindi, in their original voice, connecting with a wider audience during the thrilling season of TATA IPL 2024.

    While the Hindi-speaking audiences would have ardently watched Steve Smith talking in English, they can now watch the four-time ICC title winner share insights and opinions in Hindi. From the very onset of the IPL 2024 season, Hindi-speaking fans can witness all their favourite international cricketers like Matthew Hayden, Stuart Broad, Kevin Peterson, Brian Lara, and many more directly engage with them on television in Hindi through surround shows.

     

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by Steve Smith (@steve_smith49)

     

    Speaking on the tech initiative, Steve Smith, Star Sports commentator for IPL 2024, said, “Namaste India! Being a part of the StarCast with such a stellar line-up of commentators has been a thrill for me. More importantly, my family, friends, and fans around the world got very excited after the hologram clip went viral last year. This season I’m part of another breakthrough technology where you’ll hear my IPL insights in Hindi. I’ve received some great feedback from fans, and I’m excited to connect with millions of viewers through the Star Sports Hindi feed.”

    Recent recipient of achieving the eight position in the prestigious STA Sports Technology Power List 2023, ahead of Formula 1, Apple, Google, the broadcaster is geared up to enhance the viewing experience of audiences by launching and adopting newer and enhanced technologies. Star Sports is rolling out Dolby Vision, a world first in cricket production, for fans across India to experience every moment with incredible detail. Additionally, one will get to experience the use of Shor Meter, which help in measuring audience’s excitement through their decibel level.

    Come IPL 2024, the broadcaster is set to radically shake up the live sports broadcast experience for fans across India.

  • Star Sports sees a 24 per cent increase in overall build-up programming reach ahead of IPL 2024

    Star Sports sees a 24 per cent increase in overall build-up programming reach ahead of IPL 2024

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Tata IPL 2024, has already set new viewership benchmarks for the upcoming season. Since the commencement of its IPL build-up programming, Star Sports has witnessed a remarkable 24 per cent increase in viewership compared to last year, reaching an astounding 245 million viewers as of 15 March 2024. The total consumption for build-up programming has soared to 21.3 billion minutes, an impressive 26 per cent higher compared to last year. This unprecedented engagement, even before a ball is bowled, highlights the overwhelming popularity, enhanced storytelling in multiple languages, and the network’s connection with fans across different cohorts.

    Star Sports has left no stone unturned in delivering an exciting opening. Viewers on TV will get to see exclusive interviews with 8 of the 10 IPL captains on their vision for the upcoming tournament. Outside of the opening ceremony, Star Sports will be airing exclusive content with some of the biggest celebrities including Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Kareena Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, A R Rahman, Vijay Devarakonda, Prabhudeva and many more.

    With a Starcast of more 150 commentators and presenters, including former players with more than 40 IPL titles among them, 12 IPL team coaches, 18 World Cup Winners, 12 international captains and more, viewers can expect an engaging broadcast. There is already a lot of excitement for the comeback of Navjot Singh Sidhu in the Star Sports commentary box after almost a decade.

    This weekend, Star Sports will also be premiering some of their innovations. The biggest one being the AI technology that enables international commentators to speak Hindi in their original voice, connecting with a wider audience during the thrilling TATA IPL 2024 matches throughout the season. Additionally, the ‘Shor Meter,’ will capture real-time crowd noise decibel levels, quantifying the nation’s passion for their biggest heroes and best cricketing moments.

    The official IPL broadcaster has always believed in customising feeds. Along with the focus on languages, Star Sports is going to be launching a special feed for hearing-impaired and visually-impaired fans- Indian Sign Language feed. In addition, kids can enjoy a special Sunday feed to get closer to the game. Also, for the first time, the broadcaster is producing IPL in the unmatched combination of Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision.

    Star Sports is geared up for an electrifying season that promises fans unprecedented access, cutting-edge technology, and a star-studded lineup of cricketing legends and esteemed commentators.

    Watch the thrilling action of the TATA IPL 2024 on television live from 22 March only on the Star Sports Network.

  • Star Sports and Tata Play roll out addressable ads to target affluent audiences this IPL season

    Star Sports and Tata Play roll out addressable ads to target affluent audiences this IPL season

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Tata Indian Premier League (IPL), has announced an association with Tata Play, India’s leading DTH operator. Together, they are pioneering the introduction of targeted advertising on linear TV, during live sports broadcasts, beginning this IPL season, marking a significant first for the industry. This collaboration aims to provide advertisers with unprecedented access to the most premium audiences in the top eight metro cities, an important milestone in the realm of television advertising.

    For the first time ever, advertisers will have the opportunity to precisely target their ads to the most premium cohorts during live IPL matches on key Star Sports channels. Leveraging the targeting capabilities facilitated by Tata Play, brands can now connect with affluent viewers in metro markets like never before.

    “We are thrilled to join forces with Tata Play in revolutionizing the way advertisers engage with audiences during live sports broadcast, raising the bar for industry standards. The convergence of the largest DTH provider and the biggest TV network presents a significant advantage for advertisers. Tata Play’s affluent viewer-base in metropolitan areas, coupled with the precision in reaching these audiences, unlocks exciting advertising opportunity on the grand stage of IPL on Star Sports,” said Disney Star head – Network Advertising Sales Ajit Varghese.

    “Addressable Ads capability for unconnected boxes is a groundbreaking global first in Pay TV that will be introduced for the first time on live sports during Tata IPL. Our association with Disney Star has brought this to life and provided advertisers with opportunities never before. With this initiative, brands can now achieve even sharper targeting on live TV, setting a new standard for advertising effectiveness on linear TV,” said Tata Play CEO & managing director Harit Nagpal.

    The addressable advertising capability allows advertisers to reach their targeted audience at scale, making advertising more engaging, effective and cost-efficient. Tata Play has partnered with INVIDI and TAM for this initiative. While INVIDI will manage the tech aspect of addressable ads, TAM will facilitate audience measurement and monitoring.

  • Dream11 unites cricket legends and celebrities for new ad campaign

    Dream11 unites cricket legends and celebrities for new ad campaign

    Mumbai: Dream11, a fantasy sports platform with over 200 million users, has unveiled its advertising campaign for the upcoming cricket season, ‘Team Se Bada Kuch Nahi’. Dream11 brings together 11 cricket stars and 10 celebrities in a series of ad films with a humorous twist to the concept of sports rivalry between teams. The campaign interestingly plays on the transition from a united front in recent Team India cricket matches to individual team loyalties during the upcoming Indian Premier League.  

    Commenting on the campaign, Dream Sports CMO Vikrant Mudaliar said,  “Team Se Bada Kuch Nahi’ embodies the essence of sportsmanship, camaraderie and banter that defines cricket for Indian cricket fans. The campaign also underscores how sports in India, today represents a convergence of entertainment across various mediums: television, digital, films and music. Pairing legacy cricketers like Mohinder Amarnath and Krishnamachari Srikkanth with contemporary players like Sanju Samson and Rahul Chahar not only pays homage to our cricketing heritage but also showcases the sport’s ongoing evolution. The duo of Suniel Shetty and KL Rahul, celebrates the bridging worlds of cricket and cinema both on and off the field.

    Above all, the films are true to what our brand stands for — healthy competition, the spirit of  sportsmanship and passion for the game.”  

    The star-studded campaign features Dream11’s brand ambassadors, including Rohit Sharma,  Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Krunal Pandya, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Rahul  Chahar, and R. Ashwin, engaging in lively exchanges and witty banter. Making their debut in a  Dream11 campaign are brand ambassadors KL Rahul and Sanju Samson. Alongside them,  celebrated actors like Suniel Shetty, Preity Zinta, Samantha Prabhu, and Supriya Pathak, pop icons Daler Mehndi and Baba Sehgal, and digital/content creators Viraj Ghelani and Danish Sait too, join the campaign. Additionally, Indian cricket legends Mohinder Amarnath and Krishnamachari  Srikkanth join the lineup, bringing their humour and playful exchanges to the screen.

    As an extension of the brand’s marketing efforts, Dream11 has teamed up with renowned  Bollywood actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Varun Dhawan to launch the Dream Sale, offering a chance for 11 mega contest participants to win big during each of the first five matches of IPL  2024. This marks the first-ever on-screen collaboration between the two actors. This partnership underscores the essence of IPL as a blend of sports and entertainment, highlighting Dream11’s dedication to enriching fan engagement and broadening the fantasy sports experience across the nation.

    The campaign kicked off with a set-up film released on Dream11’s YouTube channel, following which a series of eight ad films will be aired throughout the season on Star Sports, Jio Cinema and other digital platforms.

    The campaign film has been directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and conceptualized by Tilt Brand Solutions,  a creative agency that has been working with the brand for five years.  

    With a long-standing association with the IPL since 2019, Dream11 is the Principal Sponsor for four IPL teams, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, this season. Dream11 is also an Official Partner of eight teams of the Indian Premier League this year.  

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