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Tag: Sunrisers Hyderabad

  • Sun TV makes UK cricket power play with £100.5m Superchargers buy

    Sun TV makes UK cricket power play with £100.5m Superchargers buy

    LONDON: Sun TV Network has struck a six to the boundary with a bold £100.5 million acquisition of Northern Superchargers, a prominent franchise in the UK’s The Hundred cricket league. The all-cash deal, approved by Sun TV’s board on 18 July, makes the broadcaster the sole owner of the Leeds-based team and further cements its global sporting ambitions.

    The move sees Sun TV add a third franchise to its growing sports roster, which already includes Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL and Sunrisers Eastern Cape in South Africa’s SA20. With cricket’s commercial appeal soaring across continents, the company is betting big on the format’s future in the UK.

    Northern Superchargers, incorporated in 2019 and based in London, clocked a turnover of £1.89 million in FY24 and will become a wholly owned subsidiary once the transaction is completed, expected by the end of 2025. The acquisition is routed through India’s automatic route for overseas investment, with the final remittance pegged to prevailing exchange rates.

    Sun TV said the deal aligns with its strategy of tapping global cricket leagues with strong broadcast and sponsorship potential. “The Hundred has shown strong traction with younger audiences and we see significant upside in long-term value creation,” said the broadcaster in its filing.

    This acquisition marks a rare Indian media foray into English cricket—an arena traditionally dominated by homegrown stakeholders and legacy institutions. With this move, Sun TV is not just buying into a team, but into a format and fanbase with serious commercial legs.

    The game, it seems, is well and truly on.

  • Sun TV’s sparkle dims: Profit slips, revenues wobble IN FY25

    Sun TV’s sparkle dims: Profit slips, revenues wobble IN FY25

    MUMBAI: It was less sizzle and more fizzle for Sun TV network in FY25, as the broadcaster reported a dip in both revenues and bottom line, despite pulling in the crowds via its cricket franchises and digital platform Sun Nxt.

    The media powerhouse, led by managing director Mahesh Kumar Rajaraman, posted a standalone profit after tax of Rs 1,654.46 crore for the year ended 31 March 2025 – a near 12 per cent drop from last year’s Rs 1,875.15 crore. Revenue from operations came in at Rs 3,878.86 crore, down 6.5 per cent year-on-year, suggesting the sun isn’t quite blazing like it used to.

    Even its consolidated figures couldn’t bowl over investors. Group revenues dropped to Rs 4,015.09 crore from Rs 4,282.10 crore a year earlier, with consolidated EBITDA slipping to Rs 2,132.75 crore from Rs 2,638.11 crore – a 19 per cent hit.

    The company’s love affair with cricket, however, continued unabated. Its IPL baby Sunrisers Hyderabad and the CSA’s Sunrisers Eastern Cape contributed Rs 641.96 crore in revenue – a respectable innings – but expenses from the franchises ate up over half of that at Rs 351.04 crore. The broadcast business remains the real spinner in Sun TV’s line-up.

    On the quarterly scorecard, Q4 FY25 total income rose 7.4 per cent to Rs 1,135.86 crore, but that wasn’t enough to boost profits. PAT stood at Rs 362.18 crore, down from Rs 398.77 crore in the same period last year.
    One curveball in the results: an exceptional loss of Rs 73.52 crore on account of impairment in a joint venture – a cautionary tale on where not to bet.

    Meanwhile, the board kept investors sweet with four interim dividends through the year totalling Rs 15 per share (300 per cent). Yet, shareholders may be wondering whether that’s lipstick on a slightly fading star.
    Sun TV still boasts hefty reserves of Rs 11,450 crore, but the real question for FY26 is whether the network can reignite its programming mojo and OTT play to counter headwinds in the traditional TV and sports biz.

    With GenAI reshaping content creation and younger audiences tuning out, Sun TV will need more than prime time reruns and T20 thrills to keep shining.

  • Cummins eyes victory again as Carrera renews starry partnership for 2025

    Cummins eyes victory again as Carrera renews starry partnership for 2025

    MUMBAI: When you’ve got your eye on the prize, it helps to look the part. Cricket ace Pat Cummins is back in the frame literally as Carrera Eyewear extends its high-octane partnership with the Australian skipper into 2025, announcing a fresh drop from the Carrera|Pat Cummins selection ahead of schedule.

    The collaboration blends athletic grit with sporty glamour, echoing Carrera’s philosophy of bold minds and bolder moves. And with Cummins’ CV getting shinier by the over from leading Australia to ODI World Cup and World Test Championship wins, to captaining Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 and beyond he’s not just wearing the shades, he’s embodying the brand.

    While fans wait for the next wave of his co-branded collection, Cummins is already sporting the Carrera CSport 02 model from the Carrera Sport Collection, both on and off the pitch. It’s not just eyewear, it’s a performance statement, engineered with gum nose pads, anatomically designed temples, and customisable bands that keep things locked in, even when the action heats up.

    Carrera’s latest sport drop plays in colour, taking cues from its archive and injecting vitaminic vibrance into a classic silhouette. The result? A sleek union of comfort, legacy, and locker-room-ready swag.

    It’s eyewear that doesn’t flinch under pressure much like the man wearing it. And with the 2025 cricket season gearing up, expect Pat Cummins to keep setting his sights high with Carrera along for the run-up.
     

  • Star Health bowls over fans with SRH tie-up for wellness and protection

    Star Health bowls over fans with SRH tie-up for wellness and protection

    MUMBAI: In a pitch-perfect move, Star Health and Allied Insurance Company Ltd. has teamed up with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as their official health insurance partner for the ongoing 2025 T20 League. With this partnership, Star Health isn’t just chasing runs, it’s chasing healthier lifestyles, one over at a time.

    As the country’s leading private health insurer, Star Health is leveraging cricket’s mass appeal to drive home the message of wellness and protection. Through this association with SRH, the brand aims to bowl over millions of fans with awareness on health insurance and the importance of safeguarding one’s well-being.

    Star Health Insurance MD & CEO Anand Roy said, “We are delighted to associate with Sunrisers Hyderabad in this T20 league, as this partnership perfectly reflects our three core values: customer centricity, trust and transparency. This league which is in its 18th season, is not just a celebration of cricket, but also a platform that brings together millions of people across the country, echoing our commitment to putting customers at the heart of everything we do. Just as the players and teams earn the trust of their fans through dedication and integrity, we strive to build lasting trust with our customers through reliable service and transparent processes. This collaboration is a testament to our shared belief in these values, both on the pitch and in everyday life, and we look forward to supporting the team and the tournament while championing what matters most to our customers.”

    Sunrisers Hyderabad CEO K. Shanmugam said, “We place the highest priority on the players’ and staff’s health and fitness. Through this partnership, we wish to inspire cricket fans worldwide to prioritize their health by investing in health insurance that offers enhanced benefits, comprehensive protection, and greater peace of mind. Our dedication to our team’s overall well-being is imperative to deliver exceptional outcomes. Star Health Insurance, India’s largest retail health insurance company, through this collaboration will give our team the backing they need to succeed both on and off the field.”

    As part of the association, Star Health has launched the campaign #Healthkaextracover featuring SRH players like Ishan Kishan, Jaydev Unadkat, Rahul Chahar, and Harshal Patel. The campaign taps into cricket’s universal popularity to spark conversations about everyday wellness and the need for comprehensive health coverage.

    With T20 fever in full swing and fans cheering for every six and wicket, this tie-up reminds audiences that taking guard for your health is just as important as taking guard on the pitch.

  • Lubi Industries partners with Sunrisers Hyderabad for a power-packed T20 2025

    Lubi Industries partners with Sunrisers Hyderabad for a power-packed T20 2025

    MUMBAI: Lubi Industries LLP, a manufacturer of pumps, motors, valves, and EV chargers, has announced its role as the principal partner of Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for the upcoming T20 cricket season. The collaboration underscores Lubi’s commitment to excellence and aligns with SRH, last year’s runners-up, known for their dynamic performances.

    Lubi Industries LLP director Ronak Porecha stated, “Cricket unites communities like no other sport, making it the perfect platform for Lubi Pumps to engage with our consumers. Our association with SRH allows us to reinforce our dedication to high-performance solutions while tapping into the passion of millions of cricket fans.”

    SRH CEO K. Shanmugam welcomed the partnership, saying, “We are delighted to have Lubi Industries on board for the 2025 season. With their longstanding legacy of innovation and reliability, this collaboration is set to create immense value for both parties while deepening our connection with our loyal fan base.”

    With over six decades of industry expertise, Lubi Industries shares values of resilience, performance, and teamwork qualities that define both the brand and SRH. Given cricket’s widespread appeal in India, this partnership offers a powerful platform to enhance Lubi’s visibility, particularly in the Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regions, where SRH enjoys a dedicated following.

    By integrating sport and brand synergy, Lubi Industries aims to strengthen its market presence and engage consumers on a deeper level as the cricketing fever grips the nation once again.

  • IPL 2025 to begin with Kolkata-Bengaluru clash

    IPL 2025 to begin with Kolkata-Bengaluru clash

    MUMBAI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the schedule for the Tata Indian Premier League 2025, which will run from 22 March to 25 May.

    The 74-match tournament will be played across 13 venues, featuring defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the opening fixture at Eden Gardens.

    The season includes 12 double-headers, with afternoon matches starting at 15:30 IST and evening games at 19:30 IST. The first double-header on 23 March will see Sunrisers Hyderabad face Rajasthan Royals, followed by a clash between five-time champions Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.

    Three teams will split their home games across two venues: Delhi Capitals between Visakhapatnam and New Delhi, Rajasthan Royals between Guwahati and Jaipur, and Punjab Kings between New Chandigarh and Dharamsala.

    The playoffs will be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata, with the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium hosting Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator on 20 and 21 May respectively. Eden Gardens will stage Qualifier 2 on 23 May, followed by the final on 25 May.

    The detailed schedule of the Tata IPL 2025 can be accessed by clicking HERE.

    (PICTURE COURTESY BCCI)

  • Sun TV Q3 profits plunge to Rs. 347 crore-Has the network lost Its signal?

    Sun TV Q3 profits plunge to Rs. 347 crore-Has the network lost Its signal?

    MUMBAI: Sun TV Network, once the prime-time champion of regional television, is now facing more reruns than fresh hits. The third quarter of FY25 has been less ‘superhit serial’ and more ‘filler episode’—with revenue, EBITDA, and profits all taking dramatic dives. While audiences may still be watching, advertisers have clearly flipped the channel, leaving Sun TV’s earnings on mute.

    Is this a brief ad break before the comeback, or is Sun TV headed for a season finale?

    Standalone Results

    Sun TV’s Q3 FY25 numbers resemble an ageing sitcom—still on air, but struggling for ratings. The company reported total income of Rs 927.66 crore, a decline from Rs 1,014.81 crore in Q3 FY24. The advertisement revenue stood at Rs 332.17 crore, sliding from Rs 355.43 crore last year. Clearly, advertisers are swiping right on digital and left on traditional TV.

    Subscription revenue, however, managed a 2.03 per cent growth, reaching Rs 434.51 crore—a small consolation prize in a sea of red ink. Meanwhile, EBITDA took a nosedive to Rs 432.13 crore, down from Rs 573.76 crore in Q3 FY24, reflecting higher operational costs and the ever-shrinking TV margins.

    Profit before tax (PBT) slipped to Rs 454.61 crore, down from Rs 591.31 crore last year. The real kicker? Profit after tax (PAT) dropped to Rs 347.17 crore, a steep decline from Rs 437.34 crore in Q3 FY24. A 20.6 per cent drop in net profits is enough to make any investor reach for the remote control.

    Consolidated Results

    On a consolidated level, total income stood at Rs 967.56 crore, marking a drop from Rs 1,058.66 crore in Q3 FY24. Revenues from operations were Rs 827.56 crore, a slump compared to Rs 923.15 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

    The profit before tax on a consolidated basis stood at Rs 473.87 crore, down from Rs 611.85 crore in Q3 FY24. The after-tax profits also followed the downward trend, clocking in at Rs 363.26 crore, compared to Rs 453.09 crore in the previous year’s Q3.

    While cricket franchise revenues from Sunrisers Hyderabad and Sunrisers Eastern Cape offered some cushion, their combined contribution stood at a modest Rs 0.11 crore this quarter, a stark contrast to Rs 8.98 crore in Q3 FY24. The cost of maintaining these franchises remains high at Rs 1.09 crore this quarter, squeezing margins further.

    Sun TV Network’s board has approved an interim dividend of Rs 2.50 per share, a 50 per cent payout on a face value of Rs 5.00 per share—a small consolation prize for investors watching their returns shrink faster than a bad soap opera plot twist. While this cash giveaway might sweeten the deal, will it be enough to distract from the sinking profits?

    Meanwhile, ad revenue has taken a nosedive, as brands shift their budgets towards digital darlings like YouTube and OTT platforms. Is Sun TV stuck in an old-school rerun while the world streams ahead? Or does it have one last prime-time comeback left in its script?

    With advertising dollars migrating to digital, subscription revenues becoming the lifeline, and cricket franchise earnings proving inconsistent, Sun TV has its work cut out. Will it manage to reinvent itself, or are we witnessing the beginning of a long-term fade-out? 

  • IPL2025 Auction: The action heats up on day two

    IPL2025 Auction: The action heats up on day two

    MUMBAI: With limited purses at their disposal, some of the team managements moved cautiously while making their purchases on day two of the IPL2025 mega auction at the Abadi Al Johar Arena in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.  Royal Challengers Bengaluru  had a piggy bank with Rs 30.65 crore; Mumbai Indians, Rs 26.1 crore; Punjab Kings, Rs 22.5 crore; Gujarat Titans, Rs 17.5 crore; Rajasthan Royals, Rs 17.35 crore; Chennai Super Kings; Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 14.85 crore; Delhi Capitals, Rs 13.8 crore; Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 10.5 crore and Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rs 5.5 crore.

    The day was a bit of a shocker with some rather good players not finding any takers in the first round of the auction, but getting picked up in the first or second round of the accelerated auction later in the day. Among the cricketers who were left out figured: Kane Williamson,  Glenn Phillips, Ajinkya Rahane, Mayank Agrawal, Prithvi Shaw, Shardul Thakur, Daryl Mitchell,Shai Hope, K.S. Bharat, Alex Carey, Akeal Hosein, Adil Rashid, Keshav Maharaj, Fin Allen, Moen Ali, Umran Malik, Mustafizur Rahman, Umesh Yadav, Steve Smith, Sikandar Raza, Sarfaraz Khan, Kyle Mayers, Navdeep Saini, Lungi Ngidi Kwena Maphaka and Shivam Mavi. Some of these were once celebrated as stars and sure shots  who were paid big bucks in previous IPLs.

    The auction gets on the road

    It’s almost as if some of the teams were looking to take major risks and take on new talent, instead of recruiting players who have put up mixed performances. While others went about putting in big bucks to retain their squads of yesteryear. 

    Kolkata Knight Riders got the train moving by offering Rs 1.5 crore for West Indies skipper Rovman Powell, which was his base price. Delhi Capitals then got into the act by acquiring Faf du Plessis for Rs 2 crore, his base price.  But the big story of the day was the Rs 1.1 crore which Rajasthan Royals shelled out for the 13 year old tyro and hard-hitter Vaibhav Suryavanshi, making him the youngest ever player to be picked up for the IPL. 

    Among the players who were picked up  during the day included:  Akash Deep (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 8 crore);  Lockie Ferguson (Punjab Kings, Rs 2 crore);   Deepak Chahar (Mumbai Indians,  Rs 9.25 crore);  Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 10.75 crore);  Gerald Coetzee (Gujarat Titans, Rs 2.40 crore);  Tushar Deshpande (Rajasthan Royals,  Rs 6.50 crore);  Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings, Rs 2.60 crore);  Nitish Rana (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 4.20 crore);  Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians, Rs 1 crore);  Washington Sundar (Gujarat Titans, Rs 3.20 crore);  Krunal Pandya (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 5.75 crore);  Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings,  Rs 7 crore);  Sam Curran (Chennai Super Kings, Rs 2.40 crore);  Allah Ghazanfar (Mumbai Indians, Rs 4.80 crore); Xavier Bartlett (Punjab Kings, Rs 80 lakh), Yuvraj Chaudhary (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 30 lakh); Pyla Avinash (Punjab Kings Rs 30 lakh); Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rs 1.2 crore); Devdutt Padikkal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru,  Rs 2 crore) ; Luvnith Sisodia (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 30 lakh); Shreyas Gopal (Chennai Super Kings; Rs 30 lakh); Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 2 crore); Glenn Phillips (Gujarat Titans,  Rs 2 crore); Donovan Ferreira (Delhi Capitals, Rs 75 lakh); Anukul Roy (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 40 lakh); Vansh Bedi (Chennai Super Kings, Rs 55 lakh); Moeen Ali (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 2 crore); Umran Malik (Kolkata Knight Riders, Rs 75 lakh); Sachin Baby (Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rs  30 lakh); Arshin Kulkarni (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 30 lakh); Matthew Breetzke (Lucknow Super Giants, Rs 75 lakh); Kwena Maphaka  (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 1.5 crore); Praveen Dubey (Punjab Kings, Rs 30 lakh); Manvanth Kumar (Delhi Capitals, Rs 30 lakh); Karim Janat (Gujarat Titans, Rs 75 lakh); Bevon Jacobs (Mumbai Indians, Rs 30 lakh); Tripurana Vijay (Delhi Capitals, Rs 30 lakh); Madhav Tiwari (Delhi Capitals, Rs 40 lakh); Kunal Rathore (Rajasthan Royals, Rs 30 lakh); Arjun Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians, Rs 30 lakh); Lizaad Williams (Mumbai Indians, Rs 75 lakh); Abhinandan Singh (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 30 lakh); Kulwant Khejroliya, (Gujarat Titans,  Rs 30 lakh); Ashok Sharma (Rajasthan Royals,  Rs 30 lakh); Vignesh Puthur, (Mumbai Indians,  Rs 30 lakh); Mohit Rathee (Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rs 30 lakh).

    Below are some moments from the auction interspersed with the final squads of each of the teams and the prices that were paid for them. Happy reading and viewing! (pix courtesy screen grabs from JioCinema’s stream of the auction)

     

    The auction place!

                    
                    The price mentioned in the second column is the amount paid to the player to acquire him for 
                     the  team.

    The Delhi capitals quad

     

    Sanjeev Goenka

     

    Gujarat Titans Squad

     

    Delhi Capitals

     

     

    The Kolkata Knigh Riders

     

    Sunrisers Hyderabad

     

    Lucknow Super Giants

     

     

    Mumbai Indians

     

    The team

     

    Chennai Super Kings

     

    Nail biting

     

    Punjab Kings

     

    Akash Ambani

     

     

    Sunrisers hyderabad

     

    Sanjeev Goenkasmiling

     

     

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru

     

    Wait a minute, Ms Auctioneer!

     

    Rajasthan Royals

     

     

  • Centuary Mattress unveils its #SleepQool TVC

    Centuary Mattress unveils its #SleepQool TVC

    Mumbai: Centuary Mattress, India’s sleep specialist for over three decades and the official sponsors of the Sunrisers Hyderabad, has unveiled its latest TVC campaign, “SleepQool” featuring its star players like Pat Cummins, Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Aiden Markam, and T Natarajan from the home team. The TV commercial, which will be simultaneously released across social media platforms highlights the qooling and relaxing nature of their Q-Gel range of mattresses that make it an ideal choice for defying the sweltering summers of India.

    In this latest advertisement, viewers can witness the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, Pat Cummins reclined in a state of bliss and comfort offered by Centuary’s latest offering, Q-Gel mattress. In the next frame, the skipper of the Hyderabad Sunrisers can be seen articulating the city’s most favorite response to all stressful situations – ‘Be Qool Mama’. The hilarious commercial cleverly depicts how Q-Gel mattress can provide restorative sleep essential for excelling in the high-adrenaline atmosphere of the IPL tournament, especially during the scorching summer months.

    Crafted with the utmost precision and care, the mattress features a viscose fabric cover with EuroTop Finish, offering a lavish feel and enhanced comfort. The Q-Gel copper crystal memory foam infused with CuSense technology ensures effective heat management for a restful sleep experience. Designed with ergo-soft transition foam and centrik pro responsive cushioning, this mattress provides qool sleep, exceptional body support and airflow regulation.

    Centuary Mattress executive director Uttam Malani said, “At Centuary Mattress, we have always been steadfast on our mission to constantly raise the bar of excellence and deliver the best-in-class sleep solutions to our customer. As a Hyderabad-based brand, this glorious alliance with our very own Sunrisers was simply waiting to happen.  Now, in our capacity as the proud sponsors of Sunrisers Hyderabad, we are absolutely delighted to feature our favourite Orange Army in this latest TVC. This creative collaboration not only celebrates the spirit of cricket but also reiterates our mission to redefine the sleep experience for our esteemed customers.”

    As the tournament ensues, Centuary Mattress remains dedicated to extending the ultimate comfort and support to customers across the country. The TVC masterfully reflects the brand’s commitment to promoting an active lifestyle and enhancing the overall well-being of individuals by emphasizing the need for a qooler, calmer and more revitalising sleep. Q-Gel mattress, the latest innovation from the house of Centuary Mattresses, was launched earlier this year to ensure a qool sleeping experience while providing adequate orthopedic relief for your body.

  • JioCinema unveils anticipated ad-free subscription plan teaser

    JioCinema unveils anticipated ad-free subscription plan teaser

    Mumbai: JioCinema is currently offering free streaming of the Indian Premier League 2024, albeit accompanied by ads for viewers. However, the platform has hinted at a forthcoming subscription plan that could eliminate these interruptions during content consumption.

    During the IPL match where Sunrisers Hyderabad triumphed over Delhi Capitals on April 20, an advertisement was aired, signaling the impending introduction of this new subscription plan. JioCinema took to its social media platform, X (formerly known as Twitter), on 21 April, to share a teaser video alongside the caption, “Change is constant, but your plan doesn’t have to be. A new plan. Coming 25th April.”

     

     

    This suggests that users can anticipate a refreshed offering from JioCinema, potentially offering an ad-free viewing experience, starting 25 April.