ITV

Tag: Virender Sehwag

  • Sanjay Dutt sparks digital push with Getepay’s Vega

    Sanjay Dutt sparks digital push with Getepay’s Vega

    MUMBAI: He’s known for power-packed performances, now Sanjay Dutt is helping power Digital Bharat. The Hindi cinema icon unveiled Vega, an indigenously built payment switch by Getepay, at an event in Mumbai, joining forces with Getepay founder and managing director Pravin Sharma, to celebrate a major stride in India’s fintech innovation.

    Headquartered in Jaipur, Getepay is a payment aggregator on a mission to make digital transactions simpler, faster, and more inclusive. Its latest creation, Vega, is a certified next-generation payment switch designed to serve banks, fintechs, and merchants with seamless scalability and security. Built on a microservices-based architecture, Vega promises lightning-fast processing, real-time settlements, automated reconciliation, and intelligent merchant management, all crafted in India, for India.

    Speaking at the launch, Sanjay Dutt said, “I’ve always believed in backing things that are real, solid, and made with heart, and that’s exactly what Vega is. This is about more than technology; it’s about giving every entrepreneur, from a street vendor to a shop owner, the confidence to go digital. That’s the Bharat I want to cheer for.”

    Pravin Sharma added, “Vega is not just a technological leap, it’s a bridge for millions of small entrepreneurs powering India’s economy. With Vega, we’re simplifying digital payments while enabling every corner of India to participate confidently in the digital revolution.”

    With its regulatory-compliant, future-ready design, Vega ensures secure, uninterrupted payment processing even during high-traffic periods. Its scalable framework allows banks and merchants to modernise swiftly without disrupting business operations.

    Following an 8 million dollars funding round led by Virender Sehwag, alongside Hyderabad Angels, ITI Growth Fund, and DBR Ventures, Getepay continues to strengthen its digital infrastructure, driving financial inclusion and accessibility for businesses of all sizes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Shoaib Akhtar fires back at Virender Sehwag with witty dig in Myntra Fwd banter

    Shoaib Akhtar fires back at Virender Sehwag with witty dig in Myntra Fwd banter

    MUMBAI: Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar has reignited his cheeky rivalry with Virender Sehwag in a hilariously sharp Instagram reel that’s got social media buzzing.

    The video, a response to Myntra Fwd’s latest campaign featuring Sehwag, sees Akhtar mockingly rolling his eyes at the Indian opener’s relentless mention of his famous triple century. With a mischievous grin, Akhtar suggests Sehwag deserves a Guinness World Record for bringing it up so frequently.

    Not one to be outdone, Akhtar throws in a playful reminder of his own legacy the record for the fastest delivery in cricket history adding a dash of swagger to the friendly jab.

    The reel, packed with Akhtar’s signature humour, has quickly gained traction, drawing reactions from cricket fans and celebrities alike. The lighthearted exchange between the two legends has once again proven their on-field rivalry still makes for top-tier entertainment.

     

     

  • Thums Up launches TOOFAN

    Thums Up launches TOOFAN

    Mumbai: Thums Up, India’s homegrown beverage brand from The Coca-Cola Company, is thrilled to launch Toofan: the Thums up branded exclusive chartered plane as part of its latest campaign, ’World Cup ka Toofani Tour’ to the ICC T20 World Cup. As the official beverage partner of the ICC T20 World Cup, Thums Up continues to redefine fan engagement, setting new benchmarks for fan experiences in the realm of sports.

    This year, Thums Up is taking cricket enthusiasts on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the West Indies on an exclusive Thums Up plane, promising an electrifying experience like never before. The campaign features India’s loved Cricket-duo: Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag, encouraging consumers to scan a Thums up pack and get a chance to win a seat on Toofan. From 01st March to 30th April, consumers can stand a chance to win a trip to the ICC T20 World Cup in the West Indies by registering at https://tu-icc24.coke2home.com/. Available behind select Thums Up packs that earn miles, consumers can win a chance to enter a 2 month-long daily lucky draw, with one seat being given away every day.

    In pursuit of further building on its long-standing association with sporting events like the Olympics, Paralympics, and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the tour represents the brand’s dedication to championing the spirit of cricket.

    Alongside the Toofani tour, Thums Up will engage fans cheering for Team India at home by giving away Indian jerseys every hour, plus other exciting prizes. The campaign will be featured prominently on all packs sized 500 ml and above, offering meticulously curated experiences beyond live cricket action.

    Talking about the campaign, Coca-Cola India and South-West Asia senior category director, sparkling flavours Tish Condeno said, “We are thrilled to unveil the ‘World Cup ka Toofani Tour’ campaign, to elevate fan experiences at the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in West Indies. With the launch of the exclusive Thums Up branded plane, we’re furthering our endeavour to redefine sports excitement and engagement, crafting unparalleled memories for cricket lovers.”

    Commenting on the campaign Virender Sehwag said, “I am delighted to extend my partnership with Thums Up. With each passing year, Thums Up is setting a new benchmark in fan engagement, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to fueling the fervour of cricket enthusiasts. The ‘World Cup ka Toofani Tour’ offers fans an unparalleled experience to the West Indies, in a Thums Up Chartered plane, to immerse themselves in the excitement of the ICC T20 World Cup to West Indies.”

    Commenting on the campaign, Yuvraj Singh said, “I am thrilled to continue my association with Thums Up, the brand which has a longstanding commitment to sports. This year, the ‘World Cup ka Toofani Tour’, offers an electrifying experience for fans, with a chance to fly to the West Indies on an exclusive Thums Up Chartered plane. I’m excited to witness the excitement and energy, this journey will bring to cricket fans around the world, for the ICC T20 World Cup.”

    The campaign celebrates India’s passion for cricket, fostering connection, empowerment, and collective joy throughout the tournament. With a legacy of memorable, innovative campaigns like Thums Fan Pusle and Stump Cam, Thums Up is poised to elevate the ICC experience to new heights, ensuring an enduring impact on cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

  • ZEE Entertainment unveils star-studded commentator panel for DP World ILT20 Season 2

    ZEE Entertainment unveils star-studded commentator panel for DP World ILT20 Season 2

    Mumbai: ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL), the official broadcaster of DP World ILT20, has announced a star-studded panel of commentators for the league’s upcoming second season. The world’s second most-watched league will be brought to life by a panel rounded-off with some of the leading cricketing experts in the world. The voices behind some of the most iconic moments in the sport in recent years — Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, Rohan Gavaskar, Saba Karim, Nikhil Chopra, Vivek Razdan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, who will be joined by Alan Wilkins, Simon Doull, Daren Ganga, Danny Morrison and Niall O’Brien.

    With an illustrious array of distinguished personalities and renowned voices gracing the commentary panel, ZEE Entertainment promises to deliver captivating action from the league’s second season in an engaging and dynamic fashion. Former India captain Anjum Chopra as well as high-profile sports broadcasters Reema Malhotra and Natalie Germanos will be three esteemed female commentators on the panel.

    These accomplished individuals bring a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a deep passion for the game, promising to deliver comprehensive coverage and expert insights throughout the league’s upcoming season, elevating the cricket-viewing experience. The commentary will be available in English and Hindi languages.

    Starting 19th January 2024, cricket fans can watch this only global T20 league on Zee’s most widely distributed and viewed 10 linear TV channels: &Pictures, &Pictures HD, Zee Cinema HD, Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Zest, Zee Ganga, Zee Cinemalu HD, &Flix, &Flix HD and Zee Zest HD and leading OTT platform ZEE5. All single header matches will be broadcast Live at 8 pm India prime time, starting with the pre-match presentation at 7:30 pm. The afternoon match on the double-header’s day will start at 4:00 pm.

    Speaking on this announcement, ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) president – business Rahul Johri said, “We are delighted to unveil our distinguished commentator panel for the upcoming DP World ILT20 Season 2. The expertise and diverse perspectives of our esteemed commentators will undoubtedly enhance the excitement surrounding this premier cricketing event. As the upcoming season boasts presence of some of the biggest cricket stars worldwide, DP World ILT20 promises to be one of the most-competitive cricket leagues globally. With the league’s rising stature and global appeal, we are thrilled to bring this cricketing spectacle for the audience across the world.”

    Expressing his enthusiasm for commentating at the DP World ILT20, Virender Sehwag exclaimed, “UAE’s meteoric rise as a cricketing powerhouse in recent years is truly remarkable, and the DP World ILT20 is undoubtedly another jewel in its cricketing crown. As the highly anticipated Season 2 of the league is around the corner, I am anticipating electrifying performances from power-packed players. Following the phenomenal success garnered by the league’s inaugural season, I am confident in ZEE’s unwavering commitment to amplify the league and offer an exhilarating experience on display for global audiences.”

    Speaking about commentating in DP World ILT20, former legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram said, “I am truly thrilled to be part of the commentary team for the second season of DP World ILT20. The three iconic venues in the UAE will serve as the canvas for some of the most prominent T20 stars to showcase their talent.”

    Adding to this, former English cricketer and well-known commentator Alan Wilkins said, “I am honoured to be part of the esteemed commentary panel for the upcoming season of DP World ILT20. The recognised global league will be a celebration of the spirit of cricket as the sporting extravaganza unfolds across the UAE. As the second-most watched T20 cricket league globally, I believe that ZEE Entertainment is committed to making the league bigger and better, offering a fresh and exciting experience to a global audience.”

    Former Indian cricketer Rohan Gavaskar said, “As we step into the exciting journey of the DP World ILT20’s second season, I invite viewers to get ready for a captivating cricket experience on &Pictures and ZEE5. Featuring a global array of talent and strategic team plays, this season promises fans worldwide a thrilling and engaging spectacle.”

    Speaking about the magnitude of the league, former Pakistan cricketer and coach, Waqar Younis who will be part of the upcoming season’s commentator panel said, “DP World ILT20 is truly a cricketing rendezvous, featuring a mix of seasoned players and rising stars, making the league a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts globally. It is a celebration of cricketing diversity, with an array of player and team rivalries. I am very excited to be part of the commentators’ panel for the upcoming edition.”

    The truly international league’s six franchise teams include Abu Dhabi Knight Riders (Kolkata Knight Riders), Desert Vipers (Lancer Capital), Dubai Capitals (GMR), Gulf Giants (Adani Sportsline), MI Emirates (Reliance Industries), and Sharjah Warriors (Capri Global). Some of the world’s most prominent cricket stars are slated to play in the Season 2, including David Warner, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Ambati Rayudu, Corey Anderson, Dwayne Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Trent Boult, Dasun Shanaka, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sam Billings, David Willey, Alex Hales, Tom Curran, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, James Vince, Chris Woakes and Martin Guptill.

    The 34-match event will be played at the three iconic UAE venues – Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah – starting 19 January 2024 to 17 February 2024. DP World ILT20 defending champions – Gulf Giants will be facing Sharjah Warriors, followed by Dubai Capitals’ opening match against MI Emirates. Dubai Capitals are set to begin their Season 2 on 20 January 2024. Last year’s runner-up Desert Vipers will open their campaign against the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders on 21 January at the Dubai International Stadium.

     

  • Indian speedsters Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Chetan Sakariya partner with Rario to launch their cricket NFTs

    Indian speedsters Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Chetan Sakariya partner with Rario to launch their cricket NFTs

    Mumbai: Indian speedsters Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Chetan Sakariya have partnered with Rario, which claims to be the world’s first officially licenced cricket digital collectibles platform. The exclusive partnership with the platform will help launch their own non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The pacers join Rishabh Pant, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rashid Khan, Jason Holder, Quinton De Kock, and many others as player partners on the platform.

    Singh said, “This is a great marriage between sports and technology, and a wonderful opportunity for me to be closer to my fans, who continue to give me so much love and support. I look forward to sharing some of my most cherished possessions and connecting with my fans in the biggest community of cricket fans, Rario.”

    “With this brand-new partnership for my NFTs with Rario, I am thrilled at the opportunity to engage with the fans at a much deeper level. Cutting edge technology, combined with the fervour for one of the most loved sports in the world, will surely add to the experience of the cricket fans,” Krishna said.

    Sakariya said, “I am thrilled at the opportunity to engage with the fans at a much deeper level. I am looking forward to sharing some of my most cherished possessions and connecting with my fans in the biggest community of cricket fans, Rario.”

    Rario co-founder, CEO Ankit Wadhwa said, “I am excited to have Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Chetan Sakariya on board. In just the last year and a half, they have become the most talked about bowlers. They have consistently delivered consistent performances for me. From a strategy gaming point of view, anyone with an eye for talent will know that Prasidh, Arshdeep, and Chetan’s Player Cards will be highly sought-after in Rario’s utility ecosystem.”

    Fairplay Sports co-founder Bandana Chhetri, who manages Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Chetan Sakariya said, “We are excited about Prasidh, Arshdeep, and Chetan’s partnerships with Rario. Rario is the best when it comes to licenced cricket digital collectibles platforms, and we are proud that we could get the partnership done.”

    Rario marketing head Shubham Agarwal said, “We are excited to have Arshdeep, Chetan, and Prasidh onboard. They are rising young bowlers who have proved their mettle at a young age and with their skills would bring great value to Rario’s NFT utilities.”

  • Bingo! Comedy Adda Season 2 returns with a bang

    Bingo! Comedy Adda Season 2 returns with a bang

    Mumbai: Bingo! Comedy Adda season 2 is here to once again provide fun and humour powered by a star-studded cast. In recent years, the show has become the buzz of the town among comedy shows. With a brand new concept, Bingo! Comedy Adda season 2 is jam-packed with all-around entertainment, creating new benchmarks in creative partnerships in the entertainment sector, enthusing viewers and taking the programme to a larger audience.

    The show premiered on 2 October and will run until 6 November 2022. It is also available on the Bingo Snacks YouTube page.

    Hosted by Varun Sharma, Bingo! Comedy Adda will include renowned celebrity guests with an interesting line-up that will strike a chord with the GenZs. Prominent names like Virender Sehwag, Mouni Roy, Shehnaaz Gill, Yashraj Mukhate, Guru Randhawa, Sharwari Wagh, Divyendu, Manushi Chillar, and stars of social media like Bhuvan Bam, Beyounick, and Ashish Chanchlani will be an integral part of season 2. A special stand-up comedy segment, Original Style Stand Up Comedy, has been included with the who’s who of stand-up comedy like Devesh Dixit, Gaurav Kapoor, Ravi Gupta, Vinay Sharma, Gaurav Gupta, Nishant Tanwar, and Abhijeet Ganguly. These celebrities are invited to enhance the show with their outstanding comic timing and punchlines.

    Bingo! Since its inception in 2017, Comedy Adda has received an encouraging response and has emerged as a well-recognized comedy show. The concept has been reworked and expanded into a full-fledged show, brimming with all-around entertainment, setting new industry benchmarks for creative partnerships, and engaging a wider audience.

    Speaking on the launch of season 2, ITC foods division snacks, noodles, and pasta head of marketing Aishwarya Pratap Singh said, “Entertaining consumers with fun, light-hearted, and witty conversations has been the motto of brand Bingo!. Bingo Comedy Adda has always held a special place in the hearts of the audience thanks to the outstanding comedic history it has collected over time. The uniqueness of the show lies in the amalgamation of famous personalities, including Bollywood celebrities & digital content creators, with fun-filled comedy shows that an entire family can enjoy together. The diversity of the content of the shows adds to their zing. In Bingo! Comedy Adda Season 2, we have new characters, tales, a new setup, and new talent this time. We hope, season after season, the show’s devoted fan base simply gets bigger and bigger. With this specially curated and enthralling content, viewers are surely going to be left craving for more, just as is the case when they consume their favourite Bingo! snacks.”

  • Sehwag and Gambhir to captain Gujarat Giants and India Capitals in Legends League Cricket

    Sehwag and Gambhir to captain Gujarat Giants and India Capitals in Legends League Cricket

    Mumbai: Legends League Cricket franchise teams on Thursday announced the names of their captains. Former India opener Virender Sehwag has been named to lead the Adani-owned Gujarat Giants, while Gautam Gambhir, who was also Sehwag’s opening partner in the Indian team, will be the skipper of the GMR Sportsline-owned India Capitals.

    The upcoming edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) will be a four-team tournament and a 16-match affair. It will be played for the first time in India and will be hosted in six different cities. The league will start from 16 September 2022 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, followed by Lucknow, New Delhi, Cuttack, and Jodhpur. The venues for the play-offs and finals are yet to be decided.

    Speaking on the selection, Sehwag commented, “I am excited to get back to the cricket ground again. Having Adani Group as a team principal and a professional outfit like Gujarat Giants is a perfect way to kick start this cricketing inning once again. I have personally always believed in playing fearless cricket, and I will continue to propagate the same brand of cricket here too. We are extremely excited and eagerly waiting for the drift to pick our team.”

    Gambhir said, “I have always believed cricket is a team game and a captain is as good as his team. While I will be leading the India Capitals team, I will be pushing for a spirited team who are passionate and eager to go out and win as a team. I wish Legends League Cricket all the very best and am looking forward to the upcoming action.”

    Legends League Cricket CEO and co-founder Raman Raheja added, “Having such heavyweight names as captains for the franchises is a testament that our teams will go all out under the leadership of these batting greats, as they are currently preparing to pick their choice of cricketers to go with.”

  • Ferozeshah Kotla to be renamed as Arun Jaitley Stadium

    Ferozeshah Kotla to be renamed as Arun Jaitley Stadium

    MUMBAI: In a fitting tribute to its former president Arun Jaitley, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has decided to name the Stadium after him. DDCA President Rajat Sharma said Stadium will be called Arun Jaitely Stadium. Ground will remain as Ferozeshah Kotla Ground. Mr Jaitley, who passed away on August 24, was president of the DDCA from 1999 to 2013.

    The renaming of Delhi’s famous cricket venue as Arun Jaitley Stadium will take place on September 12 at a function where a Stand of the Kotla ground will be named after India captain Virat Kohli as announced earlier.

    Speaking on this initiative, DDCA president Rajat Sharma said: "What can be better to have the stadium named after the man who got it rebuilt under his presidentship. It was Arun Jaitley’s support and encouragement that players like Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Ashish Nehra, Rishabh Pant and many others could make India proud."

    Mr Jaitley, during his tenure at the Kotla, is credited with renovating this stadium into a modern infrastructure, increasing it capacity to help more fans get an opportunity to watch their favourite cricketers in action besides constructing world class dressing rooms and other cricketing facilities

    The function, to be held at the Weightlifting Auditorium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, will be graced by the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the chief guest, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju, the guest of honour.

  • Epic and Rupa publications announce the umeed india book on the occasion of international olympic day

    Epic and Rupa publications announce the umeed india book on the occasion of international olympic day

    MUMBAI: EPIC TV – India’s only Hindi language, Indian Infotainment channel celebrates International Olympic Day with an exclusive unveiling of the first look of the Umeed India book published by Rupa Publications and based on its popular series, of the same name hosted by ace cricketer Virender Sehwag.

    Celebrated on June 23 every year, International Olympic Day aims to promote participation in sports across the globe and unite people regardless of age, gender, or athletic ability.  Also extending this initiative on-air, EPIC has scheduled a day-long showcase of Umeed India. Launched in 2017, Umeed India chronicles ground-breaking stories of Indians aiming for glory at Olympics 2020. Presented by the swashbuckling cricketer and debutant television host, Virender Sehwag, Umeed India travels across the country unearthing inspiring journeys and on-going struggles of 13 sport-stars including freestyle wrestler and Olympic medallist Sakshi Malik, para-Olympian swimmer Suyash Jadhav, shot-put player Om Prakash Karhana, sprinter Dutee Chand, judoka Avtar Singh, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, rower Dattu Bhokanal, among others who are vying for glory at Olympics 2020.

    Speaking about book launch, Virender Sehwag said, “I am happy to announce the launch of the Umeed India book. The show aimed at giving an impetus to sports and highlighting the struggles and achievements of Indian sportsmen who truly deserve national recognition and support. I am confident that the book will further this mission and serve as inspiration to generations of budding sportspersons.”

    Also commenting on these developments, Aditya Pittie, Managing Director, EPIC TV, said, At EPIC we are committed to taking the stories we tell to larger audiences using every media at our disposal, and books are the original storytellers. The stories of our athletes and their perseverance to win gold and glory are to be cherished and we are glad to have had the opportunity to champion this effort along with one of India’s most celebrated sportsperson – Virender Sehwag.”

    Sharing his views on the book, para-Olympian swimmer Suyash Jadhav, who also featured on the show said, “Sportspersons need constant motivation and support to keep doing their best at their game, especially on a major international platform such as the Olympics. The Umeed India book will certainly inspire youngsters in the country to give their best while focusing on the resources available to them to achieve their goals.”

    Indian javelin thrower, Annu Rani also commented, “An initiative such as the Umeed India book will help budding sportspersons, even those in remote areas, to understand what it takes to make it big in the world of sport and constantly better themselves to represent India on an international sporting platform and make their dream come true.”