Tag: Vikram Passi

  • Star Sports’ ‘SKYball’ campaign soars ahead of India-England T20I series

    Star Sports’ ‘SKYball’ campaign soars ahead of India-England T20I series

    MUMBAI: Ready for cricket balls orbiting the moon?

    Get your beers ready, because cricket’s biggest showstoppers—India and England—are set to light up your screens with a five-match T20I series starting 22 January. With Suryakumar Yadav leading the Blues and England bringing their explosive Bazball approach, this series is not just a clash of cricketing heavyweights—it’s a fireworks display in the making.

    What’s more? Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar have launched the quirky and entertaining ‘SKYball’ campaign, and trust us, it’s out of this world—literally. But before we spill all the details, ask yourself: Can the moon survive SKY and Bazball’s six-hitting spree?

    The campaign film, featuring India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, takes cricket fandom to a whole new level—space. Set in a mission control room, it hilariously shows cricket balls zooming toward the moon like mini rockets. Suryakumar, aka SKY, even apologises to the celestial body before delivering his punchline: “Moon, see you soon!”

    Suryakumar Yadav

    If that’s not enough, the film cheekily teases England’s big hitters joining the action, as sirens blare and cricket balls whiz past the control station. The message? This series isn’t about boundaries—it’s about breaking them.

    Speaking about the campaign, SKY said, “Every time we take the field, we are always looking to push the boundaries that help aim consistently for the moonshot. This rivalry has been among the most iconic and competitive ones for decades now, and even more so for the fans who are looking forward to witnessing some exciting cricket in our backyard.”

    Adding to the hype, JioStar head of marketing – sports, Vikram Passi noted, “The campaign is a tribute to how the Blues, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, have taken power-hitting to a new high. Add the English power-hitters into the mix, and a sumptuous buffet of sixes is about to be served.”

    With England’s much-hyped Bazball tactics facing India’s SKYball, fans can expect a high-octane contest where cricket balls will spend more time in the air than on the ground.

    The stakes are sky-high. This five-match T20I series at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens kicks off India’s first home series of 2025 and serves as a crucial warm-up for the ICC Champions Trophy in February. With India ranked number one and England at number three, the battle promises to deliver top-tier cricketing drama.

    Clear your evenings; you won’t want to miss a single six.

    As cricket fans count down to 22 January, the question remains: Who will win the battle of the big hitters? Will SKY’s fireworks outshine England’s Bazball pyrotechnics? One thing’s for sure—this series will be unmissable.

    Catch all the action live on Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar.

    Series schedule: Mark your calendars

    Match

    Date

    Day

    Time

    1st T20I

    22.01.25

    Wednesday

    7:00 PM

    2nd T20I

    25.01.25

    Saturday

    7:00 PM

    3rd T20I

    28.01.25

    Tuesday

    7:00 PM

    4th T20I

    31.01.25

    Friday

    7:00 PM

    5th T20I

    02.02.25

    Sunday

    7:00 PM

     

  • Star Sports & PVR Inox launch select screenings of Premiere League

    Star Sports & PVR Inox launch select screenings of Premiere League

    Mumbai: Pvr Inox has partnered with Star Sports to bring live Premier League matches to theaters in major cities across India. For the first time, football fans can watch teams like Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham on the big screen. Screenings will begin in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Kochi, Pune, and other cities, offering an exciting experience for fans.

    This collaboration introduces Star Sports select screenings, providing a new way to enjoy live sports in a larger-than-life setting. Following the success of the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 screenings, the Premier League will be the first offering. Fans can immerse themselves in the action, making this a must-attend event for football enthusiasts.

    “Our collaboration with Star Sports aims to give Premier League fans an unmatched viewing experience. Watching these high-octane matches in theatres takes fan engagement to a new level, creating a community atmosphere where supporters can come together,” said Pvr Inox CEO – revenue & operations Gautam Dutta.

    “We at Star Sports are thrilled to bring the excitement of the Premier League to cinema screens across India. Star Sports ‘Select Screenings PL’ allow fans to experience live matches in an immersive environment, surrounded by fellow supporters. It’s not just about watching football; it’s about creating a community where passionate fans can come together to celebrate the game. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience that captures the thrill of every goal, every tackle, and every moment of drama,” said Star Sports Network marketing head Vikram Passi.

    The screenings kick off with the much-anticipated Chelsea vs. Arsenal match on 10 November 2024.

  • Star Sports Network acquires broadcasting rights for Esports World Cup 2024

    Star Sports Network acquires broadcasting rights for Esports World Cup 2024

    Mumbai: Star Sports Network and the Esports World Cup Foundation (“EWCF”) today announced the acquisition of broadcasting rights for the Esports World Cup (“EWC”) 2024. The tournament, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 3 July to 25 August, will unite the global gaming communities and deliver premier competition in a unique format at an unprecedented scale. Over eight weeks, the EWC will feature the world’s top Esports clubs competing in 21 of the most popular game titles, making it the largest multi-game Esports tournament ever. As the official broadcaster, Star Sports is set to deliver comprehensive coverage of the tournament, offering viewers and fans an unparalleled Esports experience with in-depth commentary in English and Hindi. The Esports World Cup will be streamed on Star Sports’ YouTube channel and broadcast on linear TV via Star Sports First and Star Sports 2.

    In 2022, BGMI Masters became the first Esports franchise to be broadcast in India by the Star Sports Network, drawing in millions of viewers over its linear television debut. Highlighting the immense popularity of the online multiplayer battle royale game, Star Sports has been instrumental in bringing esports to the mainstream Indian gaming audience.

    Disney Star head marketing – sports Vikram Passi stated, “Esports is rapidly emerging as a significant force, fuelled by India’s burgeoning gaming culture and its recognition on the global stage. The BGMI Masters’ Series, in just a few seasons, has firmly established itself as a premier tournament in India, demonstrating the immense potential for world-class Esports competitions. With the upcoming Esports World Cup broadcast, we aim to expand our audience base, energize the gaming community, and foster greater acceptance of Esports among non-gamers. This event will not only captivate dedicated Esports enthusiasts but also engage a younger demographic across our platforms, driving a broader appreciation for the competitive gaming landscape.”

    Esports World Cup Foundation CEO Ralf Reichert said “Our partnership with Star Sports brings the Esports World Cup to India’s massive and passionate gaming audience. Having witnessed this firsthand, I’m thrilled to nurture India’s growing esports scene and inspire future champions. With the world’s best competing in Riyadh, we hope to spark a new wave of esports fandom in India, and maybe even see an Indian team claim victory.”

    The EWC will offer the largest prize pool in esports and feature the most popular esports titles across all major gaming genres. It will welcome a new cross-game competition format, awarding prizes for individual game titles and club performances. This will be the first-ever e-sports world cup with a prize pool of more than $60 million (Rs 500 crore)

    The eight games to be broadcasted on Star Sports Network are Call of Duty: Warzone, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, Overwatch 2, Apex Legends, Fortnite, EA Sports FC 24, and PUBG Battlegrounds.

    Specific highlights include:

    . Opening broadcast: Week one, 3 July at 10 pm on SS First and SS YT Channel with Call of Duty: Warzone in Hindi.

    . Weekly Schedule: From week three, starting 18 July, EWC will be broadcast at 9 pm on SS2 and SS First along with SS YT Channel.

    . Hindi Commentary: Call of Duty: Warzone (week one) and Counter-Strike 2 (week three) will be shown with Hindi commentary on SS First along with and SS YT Channel.

    The Esports World Cup broadcast on the Star Sports Network will further solidify esports as one of the fastest-growing sports in India, bringing the best of global esports action to India. The Esports World Cup Foundation is pleased to share Star Sports’ vision in bringing esports to a broader audience as they continue to pave the way for the future of competitive gaming in India.

  • NODWIN Gaming announces BGMS Season 3

    NODWIN Gaming announces BGMS Season 3

    Mumbai: NODWIN Gaming, South Asia’s gaming and esports company has announced the highly anticipated third edition of India’s premier esports event – BGMI Masters Series (BGMS). The tournament will be televised live on India’s leading sports broadcaster Star Sports for the third consecutive year.  

    BGMS Season 3 will witness India’s top 24 teams competing in one of the nation’s biggest Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) tournaments scheduled from July 19 to August 11.

    Sharing his enthusiasm, NODWIN Gaming co-founder and managing director Akshat Rathee expressed, “Being the biggest esports IP in India, BGMS has been a cornerstone of esports action in the country since its inception two years ago. This edition marks a significant milestone for us as BGMS returns to a major sports TV network like Star Sports, for the third time, offering unparalleled visibility to esports talent & associated brands on mainstream television. Our team has always strived to deliver top-tier esports experiences and will leave no stone unturned in leveraging our years of expertise in the production and broadcast space to bring the best of the best esports action on television once again. Together, with the incredible team at Star Sports, we are committed to cementing esports’ status as a mainstream sport amongst the masses, and eagerly anticipate an exciting season ahead.”

    The tournament has continued its association with TVS Raider, the sporty commuter motorcycle from TVS Motor Company as the Official Mobility Partner, and Philips OneBlade, the male grooming product of Philips India as the competition’s Official Styling Partner.

    “We are thrilled to announce the third season in partnership with a plethora of remarkable brands, who share our collective vision to nurture esports talent across the country. The involvement and support of leading brands highlights the growing youth base of this new-age sport, and how BGMS is positioned to reach out and capture the largest market share of this growing audience.”  he further added.

    The previous season of BGMS garnered a remarkable viewership on the Star Sports Network, underscoring its growing popularity and appeal amongst audiences throughout the nation. As the tournament returns for a third consecutive year on Star Sports, it reaffirms its position as a linchpin of India’s esports calendar.

    “Star Sports has always been committed to bringing the best of sports entertainment to its viewers. The rapid rise of esports in the country has made it an exciting addition to our portfolio, tapping into a wide demographic of tech-savvy younger generations. Having accumulated monumental viewership for the past two seasons, BGMS has not only helped us showcase the best of esports action but also to bridge the gap between traditional sports and esports in India. With the invaluable support of NODWIN Gaming, we look forward to another high-octane season this year, offering unparalleled BGMI action to our viewers,” said Star Sports Network head of marketing Vikram Passi.

    NODWIN Gaming, alongside each of the partner brands, will play a pivotal role in making BGMS Season 3, a premium esports experience for fans across the nation, setting new benchmarks in Indian esports.

  • STAR Sports’ fan-first initiatives boost digital engagement for IPL 2024

    STAR Sports’ fan-first initiatives boost digital engagement for IPL 2024

    Mumbai: Since the start of the 17th edition of the IPL, Star Sports’ social media platforms have experienced an extraordinary surge in engagement, witnessing 300 per cent growth compared to 2023 edition. Additionally, the broadcaster recorded over one billion views and reached out to more than 100 million unique users during the entire IPL 2024 season.

    The broadcaster celebrated the cricketing festival across the nation with its multifaceted approach, providing fans with various experiences through on-ground activations and social platforms. Anchored by the incredible star cast of experts, Star Sports Believe ambassadors and more than 2000 creators from Star Sports Creator Network, the broadcaster has woven together a myriad of engaging initiatives, embodying the essence of IPL fandom.

    “We are ecstatic by the overwhelming response from fans across the nation during this IPL season. The incredible growth in engagement on our social media platforms and the widespread reach we achieved is a testament to the passion and love of fans and viewers that unites us all. Our dedicated efforts to create a vibrant and immersive fan experience, have truly brought the spirit of IPL to life. We remain committed to enhancing digital engagement and delivering unparalleled experiences to our fans and viewers”, said Star Sports Network head – marketing  Vikram Passi.

    Starting with ‘Star Nahi Far’, the broadcaster provided a unique opportunity for fans across the lengths and breadths of the country to meet their favourite IPL players and legends up close and personal. Star Sports Believe ambassadors like Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Sanju Samson and cricket legends like Steve Smith and Stuart Broad among others were part of this unique initiative by Star Sports. Over 50 million unique cricket enthusiasts nationwide across 1450 cities actively participated in Star Sports’ ‘Star Nahi Far’ contest to meet more than 20 IPL stars, making it the biggest contest on Glance.

    Speaking on the ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative, Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant said, “Meeting fans through Star Sports’ wonderful ‘Star Nahi Far’ initiative was an incredibly humbling experience for me. Their unwavering support and heartfelt wishes during the tough times touched me. I had a fantastic time interacting with everyone and playing gully cricket, which brought back so many cherished memories. The love and encouragement from the fans have fueled my determination, and I can’t wait to give my best for the country.”

    In another initiative, Star Sports’ “Dream Job” offered aspiring creators to be next face on Star Sports for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. This eight-week challenge during IPL 2024, around key narratives of the on-going season, garnered an overwhelming response, attracting 5,500 entries from a diverse array of participants spanning different demographics, geographies, and walks of life. Some entries gained significant attention on social media, with one reel amassing over 61 million views, highlighting the wide array of talent in the country. Overall, the Star Sports Dream Job activation was a unique initiative leveraging the digital ecosystem to discover talent that resulted in more than 310 million views. Soumi Dey Sarkar, a national-level athlete in powerlifting and a runner, has bagged the prestigious Star Sports ‘Dream Job’ following a robust selection drive during the TATA IPL 2024.

    Star Sports also collaborated with over 100 top influencers across India throughout the season. There was a special match organized between creators and former cricketers under the banner of “Ajab Gajab T20 Challenge”. The match features influencers like Dharna, Abhishek Malhan, Aakash Gupta, and Viraj Ghelani playing alongside Steve Smith, Irfan Pathan, Harbhajan Singh, and Ambati Rayudu. Partnerships with creators like CarryMinati and Madan Gowri added diverse content.

    Speaking about his association with Star Sports for the TATA IPL 2024, CarryMinati said, “Working with Star Sports on the TATA IPL 2024 was a special experience for me. It gave me the opportunity to showcase a different side of the tournament. Working alongside cricket legends and hearing their insights was truly memorable.”

    Moreover, ‘Incredible Premier League School Quiz’ ignited the passion of young cricket fans, nurturing their love for the sport and creating unique opportunities for brands targeting this enthusiastic consumer cohort. The second instalment of this quiz has attracted a record-breaking 2.1 lakh participants from over 17,000 schools.

    The broadcaster has also closely worked with multiple platforms such as Meta, YouTube, Glance and Josh among others to better serve the fan. With the fan approach and regular engagements, the broadcaster has built a robust fan community of 50.9 million* fans across YouTube, Instagram, X, Facebook and WhatsApp and largest sports community on WhatsApp in India with more than 15.50 million followers.