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Tag: Star Sports

  • Star Sports witnesses a 38 per cent surge in ratings for the first four matches of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10

    Star Sports witnesses a 38 per cent surge in ratings for the first four matches of Pro Kabaddi League Season 10

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the Pro Kabaddi League, has notched up strong viewership figures for the opening weekend of the milestone 10th season. According to BARC, 80.1 million viewers tuned in to Star Sports for the first four matches, amassing 2.7 billion minutes of watch time. This underscores the immense popularity of the tournament among passionate fans of the second-biggest sport in the country. Additionally, the broadcaster has witnessed a remarkable growth of 38 per cent in ratings for the opening weekend compared to the last edition, showcasing the enduring appeal of Pro Kabaddi.

    Pro Kabaddi League’s return to its traditional caravan-style format has contributed to its resurgence in popularity and viewership. The tournament has witnessed spectacular performances, with Bengal Warriors commanding an unbeaten run, Gujarat Giants showcasing young raiders who are making their mark, and the return of high-flyer Pawan Sehrawat. Stalwarts like Pardeep Narwal, Maninder Singh, and Siddharth Desai have also left their mark on the league, creating a riveting narrative for fans. During the opening weekend, Gujarat Giants, led by Sultan Fazel Atrachali, won both their games at home against Telugu Titans and Bengaluru Bulls.

    A Star Sports Spokesperson said, “Pro Kabaddi League reflects the rich culture and heritage that flows through this sport in India. Our various regional feeds are customized to their respective states imbibing the values and local hero-building to capture the interest of the fans. We are glad to witness the surge in viewership for the fast-paced game and will continue to drive fandom for the rest of the season. The league generates new stars every season and has garnered support from some of the biggest celebrities, highlighting the promising trajectory of its progress through the years.”

    The marketing campaign, #IndiaKiHarSaansMeinKabaddi, featuring some of the biggest stars from the country including Tiger Shroff, Ballaya, and Sudeep Kichha ignited fervent support from fans, embodying the true essence and warrior spirit of the Pro Kabaddi League. Star Sports also collaborated with superstars across the country, who passionately supported their favorite Kabaddi teams and players. The entertainment quotient was elevated with the involvement of top-notch celebrities such as Hrithik Roshan, Manoj Bajpayee, Vicky Kaushal, Tara Sutaria, Nani, and Shiva Rajkumar as well as top Hollywood Superstar Jason Momoa of Aquaman fame. Star Sports also activated canters in five markets to spark enthusiasm among kids and kabaddi players at local clubs. The season began in grand style with an all-captains press conference on the Akshar River cruise at Ahmedabad.

    Reach and Watch-time Data for 2+U+R (TV + OOH)
    Ratings on India Urban M15+ AB

  • Kabaddi is a game of the soil. Kabaddi Runs in everyone’s blood: Vicky Kaushal

    Kabaddi is a game of the soil. Kabaddi Runs in everyone’s blood: Vicky Kaushal

    Mumbai: The Pro Kabaddi League is redefining the fusion of entertainment and sports with an unparalleled experience for fans, by bringing together the top entertainment celebs with the zenith of kabaddi excellence. A galaxy of stars, including Vicky Kaushal, Tara Sutaria, Nani, and Shiva Rajkumar, have graced various promos and social media posts, sparking impassioned support from fans for their favourite teams and embodying the true essence of the PKL. The star-studded lineup continues with the much-awaited stadium visits from Manoj Bajpayee in Ahmedabad on 7 December 2023, and Sudeep Kichcha in Bangalore on 8 December 2023, infusing an extra layer of stardom into the already intense on-court action as the tournament progresses.

    In a promo released by Star Sports, the dynamic duo of Vicky Kaushal and Tara Sutaria come together to share their enthusiasm for the passion and excitement that only the Pro Kabaddi League can deliver. Tara Sutaria draws parallels between the game of kabaddi and life said “When difficulties are in front of you, don’t be scared, fight your fears! No matter who is in front of you, don’t fear, that’s the spirit of Kabaddi!.” Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal expresses his affection for the homegrown sport of kabaddi and passionately cheers for his favourite heroes, Telugu Titans’ captain Pawan Sehrawat and UP Yoddhas’ captain Pardeep Narwal. He said “They are the heroes of Kabaddi. And they alone can take on seven players. Passion that doesn’t let them give up till the last second. They keep fighting till the last gasp. And Kabaddi is India’s game, India’s game of the soil. Kabaddi runs in everyone’s blood.”

     

  • Over nine million fans participated in “We for Virat” contest

    Over nine million fans participated in “We for Virat” contest

    Mumbai: Over 9.3 million cricket enthusiasts nationwide actively participated in the “We For Virat” contest during the recently concluded Cricket World Cup. This contest which was organised by Glance, the world’s leading Smart Lock Screen, in partnership with Star Sports, South Asia’s largest sports broadcaster, was aimed to engage cricket fans in supporting the batting maestro Virat Kohli on his journey towards the 50th ODI centuries milestone.

    The contest was simultaneously held on Glance Smart Lock Screen and during the live cricket broadcast on Star Sports. Cricket fans were presented with questions related to Kohli, enhancing their engagement with the game. The combined influence of television broadcast and the digital platform resulted in entries flooding in from 252 different cities and towns across India, turning it into a truly national moment.

    Glance CMO Bikash Chowdhury said, “Glance Smart Lock Screen is changing how over 200 million Indians connect and engage with the world around them. With our expansive reach and Smart Lock Screen capabilities, we have united millions of Indian cricket fans through a partnership with Star Sports on television. Fuelled by immense passion for the Indian cricket team, the participation of over 9.3 million Indians made this World Cup truly exceptional. This collaboration showcases the synergy of digital and television, contributing to a distinctive and memorable experience as an Indian legend surpassed another on home turf.”

    The contest involved people answering daily questions asked on Glance smart lock screens and the Cricket Live broadcast on Star Sports before and after every match in the period played between 1 to 11 November. Five lucky winners, who came from diverse towns and cities such as Kolad, Maharashtra and Kolkata, West Bengal, got a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel to the Star Sports studios.

    On November 15, they became part of the live broadcast for the India-New Zealand semi-final from the Star Sports studio in Mumbai and had the opportunity to meet renowned ex-cricketers from Star Sports’ expert line up.

    Throughout the tournament, Glance has been delivering World Cup highlights and related updates directly to millions of smart lock screens. With over 75 million Indians actively engaging with the content on their smart lock screens, and a total of 69,444 hours of content consumed daily during World Cup, this has become an extraordinary moment. The frictionless access provided by Glance smart lock screen has allowed users to stay informed about every moment in this record-breaking tournament.

    Glance is an AI-driven platform that offers a wide range of experiences directly on the lock screens of android smartphones. These lock screen experiences include instant games, live game streaming, news, sports, lifestyle, fashion, entertainment, shopping, and live content. These premium and beautiful experiences are delivered through Glance’s partnership with reputed publishers, content partners, and developers. Glance’s AI personalises these experiences, ensuring that consumers find content that is most relevant and important to them, each time they glance or look at their lock screen. They do this without needing to unlock their phones or download multiple apps or spend time searching for content.

  • Mad Influence, YouTube India, and Star Sports transform live-streaming landscape with #DostsLive

    Mad Influence, YouTube India, and Star Sports transform live-streaming landscape with #DostsLive

    Mumbai: In a historic collaboration, Mad Influence, YouTube India, and Star Sports have come together to pioneer a revolution in live-streaming, unveiling a remarkable, never-seen-before intellectual property (IP). This groundbreaking partnership has given birth to #DostsLive, an interactive YouTube livestream event held at the prestigious Star Sports Studios in Mumbai, marking a pivotal moment in the broadcasting industry.

    #DostsLive hosted the biggest watch party of top creators during the India Vs South Africa match in the CWC2023, delivering an unparalleled viewing experience to fans worldwide. The event, live-streamed on Star Sports’ official YouTube channel, captivated audiences for an impressive 6 hours, 49 minutes, and 30 seconds on November 5, 2023.

    Mad Influence CEO Gautam Madhavan expressed his excitement stating, “The creation of #DostsLive marks a significant milestone in the evolution of live-streaming. Our vision was to redefine the viewing experience, and the overwhelming response with 15 million+ viewership and 1.5 million+ engagement validates the success of our endeavour. This collaboration exemplifies the power of synergy in the digital age.”

    This collaborative effort brought together renowned YouTube content creators, including Gaurav Chaudhary (Technical Guruji), Tanmay Singh (Scout), Real Hit, RJ Mahvash, Thugesh, Chetan Monga, and others, showcasing the strength of collective creativity and influence in the digital space.

    The event commenced with a powerful announcement by Star Sports, followed by creators taking to their YouTube communities and Instagram stories to build anticipation among their vast audience.

    The creators not only brought energy to the livestream but also celebrated Virat Kohli’s birthday in style. Gaurav Arora, the famous doppelganger of Virat Kohli, cut the cake with Cricket experts Mohammad Kaif and Sreesanth, making it a memorable moment. Videos capturing the birthday celebration were shared on the creators’ profiles, adding a personal touch to the event.

    As part of the celebration, the creators also had the chance to create videos with cricket experts Mohammed Kaif and S Sreesanth, bringing insightful and entertaining content to their audiences. Behind-the-scenes glimpses of the studio shenanigans were also shared by the creators on their profiles, giving fans an exclusive peek into the making of #DostsLive.

    Despite the challenges posed by tight timelines, the successful execution of #DostsLive stands as a testament to the dedication and collective efforts of all teams and creators involved.

    The event generated immense buzz on social media, with fans contributing over 100 posts on #DostsLive and over 5916 posts on #WorldCupOnStar, highlighting the impact and resonance it had among audiences.

  • Legends League Cricket expands global reach

    Legends League Cricket expands global reach

    Mumbai: Legends League Cricket continues its successful broadcast partnership with Star Sports Network owing to the massive response to the previous editions of the League. All matches of the upcoming season of Legends League Cricket will be broadcast across Star Sports, and Disney+ Hotstar starting from the 18 of November 2023 till the 9 of December 2023.

    “Legends League Cricket brings together the best national and international talent to the fans, and it was only right that we continue our association with the Star Sports Network and FanCode to showcase the Legends of the sport. This association will continue to give millions of cricket lovers in India the best viewing experience and bring them closer to the stars that they know and love.” said Legends League Cricket CEO Raman Raheja.

    The addition of newer international cricketers and Indian Legends this season will help increase the viewership both in India and abroad. The league’s broadcasting numbers speak for themselves with 388 per cent higher reach than other T20 Leagues on Sports TV (excluding IPL), being the second most watched and rated T20 League (source: BARC 15+ AB), and a whopping 280 million global viewership in just its previous season.  

    The second franchisee edition of Legends League Cricket is scheduled from November 18 to December 9 and will feature matches in five cities: Ranchi, Dehradun, Jammu, Vizag, and Surat. The tournament will kick off with a match between Bhilwara Kings, led by Irfan Pathan, and the defending champions, India Capitals, captained by Gautam Gambhir. Six teams, including India Capitals, Manipal Tigers, Gujarat Giants, Urbanrisers Hyderabad, Southern Super Stars, and Bhilwara Kings, will compete for the coveted trophy.

    Legends League Cricket will be broadcast in eight countries in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. The broadcasting partners for different countries are Star Sports in India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh along with Disney+ Hotstar, and ESPN+ will be available for viewers in South Africa and USA with an addition of Willow TV just for American viewers. Fox and Kayo Sports will cater to the Australian region, Etisalat in the Middle East, and BT Sports in the UK region. 

  • Star Sports flagship show ‘Cricket Live’ garners immense popularity amongst viewers of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

    Star Sports flagship show ‘Cricket Live’ garners immense popularity amongst viewers of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023

    Mumbai: Cricket Live, the exclusive in-depth analysis show on Star Sports, has redefined storytelling during the ICC World Cup 2023, presenting compelling narratives of Indian and foreign players. From Bumrah’s much-anticipated return to Shami’s stellar performances, Virat’s pursuit of glory, and Rohit’s captaincy, the coverage resonated with fans worldwide. The stories extended beyond borders, highlighting Rachin’s journey, Pakistan’s cricketing odyssey, and exclusive confessions from Australian players about their rivals. Adding a personal touch, Cricket Live celebrated the birthdays of stars like Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli, fostering a deeper connection with fans. Not limiting the narrative to players, an anthem titled ‘Tum ho apne saath mein’ was curated for Team India, aiming to galvanize fans in unwavering support of the entire squad. The most watched Cricket show has collaborated with influencers and content creators from across the country to build the fandom for Team India. Fans have also been able to ask compelling questions to the StarCast and get featured on the broadcast via #AskStar.

    As per BARC, till Match 34 of the tournament, Cricket Live has captivated a staggering 273 million viewers, with an impressive watch time of 19 billion minutes, a growth of 6 per cent compared to the 2019 edition. Additionally, the show witnessed an uptick of 10 per cent in average time spent by viewers, compared to the 2019 edition. In the pre-show, the first half-hour has experienced the most significant surge, with consumption levels up by 27 per cent, and average time spent per viewer up by 18 per cent. The post-shows have also flourished, boasting an incredible 117 per cent higher consumption and an impressive 38 per cent higher reach compared to the previous edition. Cricket Live on regional feeds (Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada) has grown in consumption by 122 per cent (3.4 billion minutes), compared to the last edition and its viewership has increased by 46 per cent (62.2 Mn), compared to 2019.

    In its commitment to delivering an all-encompassing cricketing experience, Cricket Live on Star Sports has gone above and beyond with exclusive interviews featuring Team India heroes. A special content campaign, “We for Virat,” celebrated Kohli’s historic feats, offering a comprehensive glimpse into various facets of his life, personality, and illustrious career. The coverage extended to behind-the-scenes moments, backstories of players from the ICC World Cup 2023, and engaging debates pitting experts against each other on burning topics and contextual big stories of the day. Special segments like “What’s Trending,” “Unboxing,” “Wow Factor,” “Versus,” and “Cheeky Singles” capture all aspects of the World Cup, ensuring a diverse and engaging viewing experience.

    Cricket Live on Star Sports is also at the forefront of technological innovation. Utilizing a decibel meter for real-time crowd noise data, holographic teleportation to virtually transport commentators, and 3D-rendered graphics placing players next to iconic monuments like the Gateway of India, have made Cricket Live a visually dynamic experience. The usage of augmented reality (AR) graphics to display stats seamlessly on the pitch, and Quad replay technology to enhance the replay experience for a comprehensive view of key moments have made the cricket viewing and analysing experience more immersive for fans globally.

    With a remarkable line-up of former players who have graced the Cricket World Cup since its inception in 1975, the StarCast for Cricket Live served as a treasure trove of in-depth analysis, insights, and expertise. The iconic World Cup winners, including legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Ravi Shastri, K Srikanth, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, and S Sreesanth, graced the panel, bringing their invaluable experience and championship wisdom to the audience. The panel further boasted multiple Former Indian chairmen of Selectors, such as MSK Prasad, Sandeep Patil, and Sunil Joshi, along with the esteemed former India batting coach, Sanjay Bangar.

    Adding to the international flavor were former cricket legends and World Cup winners Shane Watson, Aaron Finch, Matthew Hayden, Dale Steyn, Faf Du Plesis, Imran Tahir, Shane Bond, and Paul Collingwood. Their presence amplified the depth of analysis and championship-winning insights, creating a dynamic and insightful panel for Cricket Live viewers.

    In a celebration of India’s linguistic diversity and cricketing fervour, Star Sports provided an immersive experience for fans with exclusive broadcasts in various regional languages. The Tamil feed featured former World Cup winners K Srikanth and S Sreesanth, complemented by insights from players S Ramesh and Russel Arnold. The Telugu feed was enriched by former India Chief Selector MSK Prasad, seasoned campaigner, and former Indian women’s captain Mithali Raj, and experienced cricketer Venugopal Rao. The Kannada feed showcased the esteemed presence of former Indian legend Gundappa Viswanath and former India cricketers Vijay Bharadwaj, Vinay Kumar, and Sunil Joshi, alongside local cricketing talents. This diverse and talented roster ensured that Cricket Live not only entertained but also educated cricket enthusiasts with unparalleled insights and perspectives.

    Adding a touch of glamour and excitement, Cricket Live has welcomed a plethora of celebrities, including Bollywood Superstars Salman Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon and the entire cast of ‘The Archies’. South superstars like Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, Venkatesh Raghupathi, Ravi Teja and more also graced the regional shows. All these celebrities shared their love for Team India, adding a captivating dimension to the cricket-watching experience.

    As the World Cup enters its knockout stages, Star Sports is committed to redefine the boundaries of delivering a compelling viewing experience. Upcoming appearances from global pop sensation Dua Lipa, and Bollywood and South stars Ranbir Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Naga Chaitanya promises an unforgettable spectacle for viewers and fans alike. Cricket Live’s coverage is set to expand with extended 2-hour pre-shows starting from 12 PM across five languages – English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada throughout the knockout stages.

    Cricket Live on Star Sports continues to be the ultimate destination for cricket enthusiasts, offering unparalleled insights, entertainment, and star-studded appearances, making it an integral part of the ICC World Cup 2023 experience. 

  • Star Sports celebrates a decade of transformative sports broadcasting with ‘Believe’

    Star Sports celebrates a decade of transformative sports broadcasting with ‘Believe’

    Mumbai: On 6 November 2023, Star Sports proudly commemorated a decade of reshaping sports broadcasting with its transformative tagline, BELIEVE. Over the past 10 years, Star Sports has not only brought world-class sports broadcasting to the country but has also altered the sports landscape with its commitment to innovation, fan-centric content, and transformative regionalisation to get fans closer to the game.

    BELIEVE, articulated on the profound insight that greatness is not reserved for a chosen few, has become a guiding philosophy for Star Sports over the years. It’s a celebration of hero moments, inspiring stories, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As a brand, Star Sports has strived to ignite the hero within each one of us over the past decade and remains committed to this mission. The BELIEVE series starts with a never-seen-before, two-part interview with Virat Kohli- ‘Believe: The Diwali Miracle’ – aligning with Star Sports’ mission to bring heroes closer to fans and showcase inspiring stories.

     

     

    To celebrate the tenth anniversary of BELIEVE, Star Sports launched a series of BELIEVE films featuring Indian Heroes whose stories inspire billions of fans around the country. The series showcases the journey taken by India’s favourite champions, a celebration of their own pursuit of excellence, an exhibit of storylines tied together with one common factor: how all of them, always BELIEVED – and that’s how they made their story happen.

    The campaign begins with the first promo featuring Virat Kohli. King Kohli’s journey of becoming one of the greatest sporting legends has defied the old saying of ‘Umeed pe Duniya kayam hai’ (the world endures its strength from Hope), only to reinforce that its ‘Yakeen’ (Believe) that drives the world.

    Believe ambassador and Indian cricket superstar, KL Rahul, said, “Joining Star Sports as a ‘Believe Ambassador’ was more than just a association for me—it was a commitment to inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts across the country. Their legacy of reshaping the sports landscape aligns seamlessly with my vision for sports in this country and together we want to convey the message that dreams have no boundaries, and with unwavering belief, anyone can hit it out of the park, transcending barriers and making their mark on the world. As part of this journey, we’ll continue to fuel the passion for sports and instil the power of belief in every aspiring athlete’s journey in years to come.”

    Believe ambassador and Indian cricket superstar, Ravindra Jadeja, said, “This celebration with Star Sports is a shared responsibility to inspire a generation of athletes, cultivate their true potential and make them believe in their dreams. Star Sports’ transformative journey in sports broadcasting mirrors my passion for pushing boundaries on the field. Together, we’ll continue to craft a legacy that resonates with fans and fuels the undying spirit of all sports. Here’s to a decade of belief and many more innings to come!”

    In its pioneering journey, Star Sports achieved several milestones, becoming the first-ever sports broadcaster with dedicated Hindi Cricket coverage and launching a 24-hour Hindi sports channel in 2013. Dedicating regional channels for Tamil (2017), Telugu, and Kannada (2019), Star Sports brought new depth to the IPL, a league that had already completed a decade. Over 500 million viewers watched the live broadcast of the latest edition of IPL on Star Sports clocking 427 billion minutes of watch time. As a brand, Star Sports provided world-class sports broadcasting to the country while extensively growing its portfolio of sports.

    Star Sports took the lead in promoting women’s sports, producing high-definition live coverage of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2013. The commitment continued with a dedicated Kabaddi league for women in 2016, reaching an unprecedented 90 million viewers. Campaigns challenging stereotypes and showcasing the grit and determination of women athletes have driven change in the sporting ecosystem.

    The Broadcaster introduced Kabaddi, a truly homegrown sport, and took it to the world showcasing heroes and legends rising over nine seasons. With a viewership touching 328 million in season 7, PKL became the second most-watched league in India. Season 10, commencing on December 2, 2023, promises an even more thrilling experience with a return to all 12 cities. Since 2014, Star Sports has held the broadcasting rights for ISL, contributing to its popularity and making it the most-watched football league in India.

    Star Sports has been at the forefront of bringing the world’s best sporting action to fans in India over the years. The broadcaster has been home to some of the biggest international sporting events like the Premier League, Wimbledon, F1, One Championship, and MLB.

  • Star studded cast of the ‘Archies’ joins Star Sports Cricket Live

    Star studded cast of the ‘Archies’ joins Star Sports Cricket Live

    Mumbai: In an exciting fusion of entertainment and sports, the much-anticipated cast of the upcoming film “The Archies” will make their first-ever public appearance on the Star Sports “Cricket Live” pre-show to extend their support to Team India during their thrilling encounter against Sri Lanka. This star-studded collaboration promises an extraordinary blend of cricket and cinematic charisma.

    “The Archies” movie is creating a buzz in the film industry as it features a fresh lineup of new-age actors- Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, Agastya Nanda, Vedang Raina, Dot & Mihir Ahuja making their debut on the silver screen. The cast’s enthusiastic participation in the pre-show adds a unique dimension to the cricketing experience, amplifying the excitement for the match. The “The Archies” gang are excited to spill some beans on their upcoming movie, while sharing their passion for cricket and celebrating the spirit of Team India with fans across the nation. Fans can expect lively conversations, cricket anecdotes, and, of course, a healthy dose of movie-related banter as the cast interacts with the show’s expert panel. Tune into Cricket Live at 12:30 pm on Star Sports to meet the cast and catch all the fun that unfolds!

     

     

  • ICC World Cup 2023 nears 60 bn minutes of viewership; 22% growth over the last edition

    ICC World Cup 2023 nears 60 bn minutes of viewership; 22% growth over the last edition

    Mumbai: Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, has witnessed significant growth in viewership for the first 11 matches of ICC CWC 2023 – including two matches played by the Men in Blue- vs Australia and Afghanistan. The tournament has clocked more than 59 billion minutes of watch-time (viewership), a growth of 22 per cent compared to the 2019 edition. Additionally, the consumption among premium audiences witnessed remarkable growth with audiences in NCCS A witnessing a growth of 40% and NCCS B growing by 24%. Live broadcast for the first 11 matches of the tournament has been watched by 268 million viewers with 96 million young working professionals (aged 22-40) tuning in, which is five per cent higher than the 2019 edition. The peak live concurrency for the tournament is 56 million viewers, registered during the India v Australia match in Chennai on October 8.

    Star Sports has been producing 11 feeds for ICC Men’s CWC 2023, which includes feeds in 9 different languages (English, Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada & Malayalam) and two additional vertical feeds (Max View) for Disney+ Hotstar. The overall broadcast of the tournament has been enriched by offering a range of non-live programming shows. ‘Follow the Blues,’ ‘Game Plan,’ ‘Match Point’ and ‘Cheeky Singles’ served in-depth analyses and captivating build-up to the tournament, allowing fans to dive deeper into the world of cricket. The broadcaster also launched a fan-centric campaign, stoking the dreams of millions with the aspiration of India winning the coveted World Cup trophy again. A star-studded list of top celebrities such as Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ravi Teja, Shiva Rajkumar, Tiger Shroff, Kriti Sanon, Kangana Ranaut, and many more, shared their love and admiration for the sport and their favorite Indian Cricketers on Cricket Live, India’s most-watched Cricket Show. As the excitement continues to build, India is set to face New Zealand on 22 October 2023, followed by India vs England on 29 October 2023.

    All BARC Data for 2+U+R

  • ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’ docu-series to premiere on 18 October on Star Sports Select

    ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’ docu-series to premiere on 18 October on Star Sports Select

    Mumbai: Major League Baseball and Disney Star have collaborated with IMG and Amped Pictures to produce ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’, a docuseries that tells the story of first-generation Indian American Arjun Nimmala. Nimmala was drafted in the first round of the MLB amateur draft in July by the Toronto Blue Jays, making history as the first-ever first-generation Indian American to be drafted at such a high position across any of the four major U.S. professional sports.

    The docuseries takes viewers along Nimmala’s journey to further explore his roots in his parents’ hometown of Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh) and to uncover India’s sporting culture – meeting up with Ajinkya Rahane for a bit of friendly cricket, the sport Nimmala grew up practicing. Throughout the docuseries, Arjun meets India’s own budding baseball talents whose stories are also featured.

    The four-part documentary has been launched on 18 October 2023, on Star Sports Select 1 & Star Sports Select 2 and the final episode will be aired on 21 October 2023, with repeat telecasts continuing until 26 October 2023. Additionally, ‘Indian Baseball Dreams’ will launch nationwide on Disney+ Hotstar in November.

    This docuseries is part of an expanded partnership renewal between MLB and Disney Star. Along with broadcasting the World Series as it has done since 2020, Star Sports is airing additional rounds of the Major League Baseball Postseason live throughout October and November for the first time on Star Sports Select 1 and 2. These telecasts are produced specifically for the Indian market for the first time, and feature MLB’s best teams as they chase a World Series title.

    “Indian Baseball Dreams follows Arjun Nimmala, a 17-year-old Indian American baseball prodigy, as he aims to make history by becoming the first first-generation Indian American athlete selected in the first round of a major US sport. This series highlights Arjun’s exceptional talent, dedication, and the growing influence of baseball beyond borders. It’s a captivating journey that bridges cultures, showcasing the universal power of sports to inspire triumph and heritage. Don’t miss this incredible story of breaking barriers and developing connections between India and baseball.”, said a Star Sports Spokesperson.

    Manish Batavia, who has called the games in India, spoke on the experience of bringing live baseball to the Indian audience.

    “The similarities between India’s biggest obsession Cricket and America’s favourite indulgence Baseball are what make it a joyride to be commentating on MLB! Drawing parallels between the two sports to build a certain familiarity and relatability with and around MLB for Indian fans has been the key objective for us,” Batavia said.

    Major League Baseball, since establishing an office in India in 2019, continues to grow interest in the sport of baseball, including by running its flagship MLB Cup program, a youth tournament that has grown to include 154 teams in 2023 from across the country.

    MLB India business development manager Ryo Takahashi commented, “We at MLB India continue to find ways to connect with our audience in India, where we really believe in the opportunity to grow interest in baseball. Star Sports has been a strong partner of ours to expand baseball’s reach while we continue to provide opportunities to play the game of baseball through our youth events.”