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Tag: Virender Sehwag

  • Kings XI Punjab, 92.7 Big FM continue partnership

    Kings XI Punjab, 92.7 Big FM continue partnership

    MUMBAI: With cricket fever soaring, 92.7 BIG FM, extended its support to Kings XI Punjab and announced its partnership with the team once again. By virtue of this association, 92.7 BIG FM will provide listeners with live match updates and exciting trivia, together with hosting innovative contests for cricket aficionados. The contests will run on 92.7 BIG FM every day, giving listeners a chance to win match tickets, exclusive merchandise and a grand opportunity to meet players and RJs. Furthermore, listeners will be treated to exclusive match analysis by former Indian opener and cricket expert Virender Sehwag.

    On the association, 92.7 BIG FM spokesperson said, “We at 92.7 BIG FM wanted to be a part of this big cricket celebration by engaging our listeners and ardent cricket fans. With ace cricketer Virender Sehwag sharing in depth match analysis and interesting moments from his previous IPL stints, we hope to augment the experience for our listener like never before. We are glad to be associated with Kings XI Punjab, and extend our full support to the team. We wish them all the very best for the tournament.”

    With the commencement of IPL 2016, 92.7 BIG FM will start on-ground, digital and on-air contests for cricket enthusiasts and listeners alike. With its on-ground activity ‘BIG Ticket Counter’, fans with the loudest cheer will be eligible for the contest, wherein one lucky winner will win match passes. For on-air participation, listeners can call and register themselves, following which they would be asked questions related to songs and matches. Listeners who provide correct answers will stand a chance to win exclusive Kings XI Punjab merchandise, meet and greet with players, and a grand opportunity to watch matches in VIP lounges with the RJs. Apart from the contests, audiences can tune-in to listen to cricket expert Virender Sehwag, who will share his experiences and memories of playing in the IPL, along with his own match analyses.

    The new association will witness a robust multi-media promotional plan across key markets, which includes a 360-degree marketing campaign. The radio network aims to engage with viewers and trade partners locally and nationally through multiple platforms.

  • Vuclip to launch cricket comedy show ‘What The Duck’ on OTT

    Vuclip to launch cricket comedy show ‘What The Duck’ on OTT

    MUMBAI: Premium video on demand service for emerging markets, Vuclip announced the unveiling of Viu Originals on its OTT platform Viu with the cricket comedy chat show series ‘What The Duck’. Hosted by Vikram Sathaye, the show will be produced and co-created by Fluence. Vuclip says that CA Media Digital’s celebrity network will feature cricketing greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Karthik, Irfan Pathan among others.

    The quirky chat show hosted by Vikram Sathaye, stand-up comedian, cricket humourist and author of the best seller How Sachin Destroyed My Life will be the first offering from Viu Originals. Each episode will have a total run time of 13 minutes.

    At the intersection of cricket and comedy, ‘What The Duck’, is a freewheeling chat show that will reveal the funnier side of India’s cricketing legends. A dream come true for cricket fans, the show marries two of India’s greatest passions – cricket and entertainment. Laced with the host’s signature humour, each installment of the ten-episode series will feature a cricket celebrity along with some fascinating anecdotes and insightful stories. New episodes will be uploaded each week on Viu.

    The series kicks off today on Viu with the interview of the Nawab of Najafgarh, Virender Sehwag opening the series innings in the same swashbuckling manner that he did on the cricket field. It will be available exclusively only on Viu.

  • Vuclip to launch cricket comedy show ‘What The Duck’ on OTT

    Vuclip to launch cricket comedy show ‘What The Duck’ on OTT

    MUMBAI: Premium video on demand service for emerging markets, Vuclip announced the unveiling of Viu Originals on its OTT platform Viu with the cricket comedy chat show series ‘What The Duck’. Hosted by Vikram Sathaye, the show will be produced and co-created by Fluence. Vuclip says that CA Media Digital’s celebrity network will feature cricketing greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Gautam Gambhir, Murali Karthik, Irfan Pathan among others.

    The quirky chat show hosted by Vikram Sathaye, stand-up comedian, cricket humourist and author of the best seller How Sachin Destroyed My Life will be the first offering from Viu Originals. Each episode will have a total run time of 13 minutes.

    At the intersection of cricket and comedy, ‘What The Duck’, is a freewheeling chat show that will reveal the funnier side of India’s cricketing legends. A dream come true for cricket fans, the show marries two of India’s greatest passions – cricket and entertainment. Laced with the host’s signature humour, each installment of the ten-episode series will feature a cricket celebrity along with some fascinating anecdotes and insightful stories. New episodes will be uploaded each week on Viu.

    The series kicks off today on Viu with the interview of the Nawab of Najafgarh, Virender Sehwag opening the series innings in the same swashbuckling manner that he did on the cricket field. It will be available exclusively only on Viu.

  • Sony Six set to enthral audiences with MCL featuring cricketing legends

    Sony Six set to enthral audiences with MCL featuring cricketing legends

    MUMBAI: Come 28 January, 2016 and cricket fans will be in for a treat as they’ll get an opportunity to watch cricketing legends like Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Wasim Akram and their ilk padding up to take centre stage once again on lush green fields.

    As the Masters Cricket League (MCL) kicks-off, six franchises namely Libra Legends, Gemini Arabians, Sagittarius Soldiers, Virgo Super Kings, Capricorn Commanders and Leo Lions will tussle it out amongst each other, with the two best teams making it to the grand finale, which will be played on 3 February, 2016.

    And gearing up for the live telecast of the maiden cricketing tourney from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah is Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India’s sports channel Sony Six. The first match will be aired live tomorrow at 7.30 pm.

    While SPN India recently inked a JV with sportscaster ESPN and launched two new sports channels, the MCL will be aired on Sony Six and not on the new channels namely Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD.

    “From a fan’s perspective, a primary destination for a particular event is both convenient and essential. In this particular case, we decided that it would be Sony Six. We may provide an occasional match on Sony ESPN based on requirements,” SPN sports cluster EVP and business head Prasana Krishnan tells Indiantelevision.com.  

    World record holder Brian Lara, flamboyant opener Virender Sehwag and swinger Wasim Akram have already shared their excitement to be a part of the league. Apart from them, the Ashes-winning England captain Michael Vaughan, popular former South African captain Graeme Smith, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, recently retired Sri Lankan duo of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, and former Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood are also amongst those who have signed up for the league. With participation from these names, the excitement around MCL is palpable.

    “The Masters Champions League has an impressive line-up of international cricket legends and all time stars, who have a huge fan following. Fans are really looking forward to the opportunity of watching cricket legends who have retired, extending their careers in the MCL,” adds Krishnan.

    The sportscaster is said to have signed the multi-year deal for close to $20 million. A media expert asserts, “This is a smart acquisition as I think it the MCL will continue to grow bigger with time. The tournament has big names associated with it and the matches will be competitive. If it starts well, cricket fans will be privy to something that they never expected and it has the potential to mark a new beginning.”

    The brand interest so far has been commendable, and there have been a few last minute deals, which Sony Six is juggling with. “Cricket is the most popular sport in India, which is extremely valuable to advertisers. We already have two leading brands on board for the Masters Champions League and are expecting to add a few more through the course of the event,” informs Krishnan without divulging any names.

    A senior sports media planner says, “The ad rates and number of sponsors on the first edition is not something that should be looked at. Any number is a good number; what is important at this stage is the nature of the tournament. Cricket always garners high eyeballs and the players are all brand ambassadors so if it picks up, it will be an exhibition.”

    Throwing light on the reason behind Sony Six going after the MCL, Krishnan says, “With the MCL, our aim is to bring high quality packaged content that will appeal to our audiences in the Indian sub-continent. We are glad to present to our viewers, a chance to connect with their favourite international legends and look forward to some great cricketing action in this exciting T20 tournament.”

    A cricket commentator, on condition of anonymity, adds, “I am excited to see the players I have grown up commentating on. I think the teams are a good mix of newly retired and previously retired players and hence it will be even-stevens. None of them have to prove anything to anyone but… ‘Once a warrior, always a warrior!’ Hence competition is ought to be there. I think it will be an entertaining voyage and if packaged properly, the MCL will be a great watch. I am sure there will be many trending hashtags all over as the tournament starts.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the concept, Krishnan concludes, “The Masters Champions League is presenting retired legends coming together in a first of its kind T20 cricket league. Viewers will get a chance to see their heroes in action once again and relive their finest nostalgic moments on the field.”

  • Sony Six set to enthral audiences with MCL featuring cricketing legends

    Sony Six set to enthral audiences with MCL featuring cricketing legends

    MUMBAI: Come 28 January, 2016 and cricket fans will be in for a treat as they’ll get an opportunity to watch cricketing legends like Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag, Wasim Akram and their ilk padding up to take centre stage once again on lush green fields.

    As the Masters Cricket League (MCL) kicks-off, six franchises namely Libra Legends, Gemini Arabians, Sagittarius Soldiers, Virgo Super Kings, Capricorn Commanders and Leo Lions will tussle it out amongst each other, with the two best teams making it to the grand finale, which will be played on 3 February, 2016.

    And gearing up for the live telecast of the maiden cricketing tourney from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah is Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) India’s sports channel Sony Six. The first match will be aired live tomorrow at 7.30 pm.

    While SPN India recently inked a JV with sportscaster ESPN and launched two new sports channels, the MCL will be aired on Sony Six and not on the new channels namely Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD.

    “From a fan’s perspective, a primary destination for a particular event is both convenient and essential. In this particular case, we decided that it would be Sony Six. We may provide an occasional match on Sony ESPN based on requirements,” SPN sports cluster EVP and business head Prasana Krishnan tells Indiantelevision.com.  

    World record holder Brian Lara, flamboyant opener Virender Sehwag and swinger Wasim Akram have already shared their excitement to be a part of the league. Apart from them, the Ashes-winning England captain Michael Vaughan, popular former South African captain Graeme Smith, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly, recently retired Sri Lankan duo of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, and former Pakistani all-rounder Azhar Mahmood are also amongst those who have signed up for the league. With participation from these names, the excitement around MCL is palpable.

    “The Masters Champions League has an impressive line-up of international cricket legends and all time stars, who have a huge fan following. Fans are really looking forward to the opportunity of watching cricket legends who have retired, extending their careers in the MCL,” adds Krishnan.

    The sportscaster is said to have signed the multi-year deal for close to $20 million. A media expert asserts, “This is a smart acquisition as I think it the MCL will continue to grow bigger with time. The tournament has big names associated with it and the matches will be competitive. If it starts well, cricket fans will be privy to something that they never expected and it has the potential to mark a new beginning.”

    The brand interest so far has been commendable, and there have been a few last minute deals, which Sony Six is juggling with. “Cricket is the most popular sport in India, which is extremely valuable to advertisers. We already have two leading brands on board for the Masters Champions League and are expecting to add a few more through the course of the event,” informs Krishnan without divulging any names.

    A senior sports media planner says, “The ad rates and number of sponsors on the first edition is not something that should be looked at. Any number is a good number; what is important at this stage is the nature of the tournament. Cricket always garners high eyeballs and the players are all brand ambassadors so if it picks up, it will be an exhibition.”

    Throwing light on the reason behind Sony Six going after the MCL, Krishnan says, “With the MCL, our aim is to bring high quality packaged content that will appeal to our audiences in the Indian sub-continent. We are glad to present to our viewers, a chance to connect with their favourite international legends and look forward to some great cricketing action in this exciting T20 tournament.”

    A cricket commentator, on condition of anonymity, adds, “I am excited to see the players I have grown up commentating on. I think the teams are a good mix of newly retired and previously retired players and hence it will be even-stevens. None of them have to prove anything to anyone but… ‘Once a warrior, always a warrior!’ Hence competition is ought to be there. I think it will be an entertaining voyage and if packaged properly, the MCL will be a great watch. I am sure there will be many trending hashtags all over as the tournament starts.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the concept, Krishnan concludes, “The Masters Champions League is presenting retired legends coming together in a first of its kind T20 cricket league. Viewers will get a chance to see their heroes in action once again and relive their finest nostalgic moments on the field.”

  • Sporty Solutionz inks media rights deal with MCL

    Sporty Solutionz inks media rights deal with MCL

    MUMBAI: Media rights business company Sporty Solutionz has acquired the exclusive rights to market the MCL media rights worldwide.

     

    Sporty Solutionz has entered into a multi-year deal with the MCL’s Dubai-based promoters GM Sports. The deal to distribute the MCL media rights in the global market is priced at multi-million dollars.

     

    Master Champions League has a 10-year understanding with the Emirates Cricket Board to stage Masters 20-20 league in the UAE. The first edition of the league, slated between 20 January and 13 February, 2016, will feature global cricket stars like Saurav Ganguly, Brian Lara, Kumar Sangakkara, Virender Sehwag, Brett Lee, Jacques Kallis and Adam Gilchrist. The league features six teams involving 90 cricket stars.

     

    Sporty Solutionz chief executive Ashish Chadha says, “The MCL is going to feature a big number of the all-time cricket greats. The league is not just generating tremendous interest in the native countries of these megastars, but this galaxy of cricket stars to be in action in the MCL is also creating a buzz the world over. The dynamics of cricket bazaar are changing. MCL is adding a new chapter to this. The league is going to be watched in four continents. Sporty Solutionz’s endeavor is to ensure MCL’s reach to every single cricket lover the world over.”

     

    “We have got the global icons of cricket together to create a world class cricket league. Sporty Solutionz has a global reach in the sports media rights market. We are confident our relationship will set new benchmarks for cricket viewership. The league will be beamed across the globe,” says GM Sports chief executive director Sam Khan. 

  • Star India snaps up broadcast rights to Sachin-Warne’s Cricket All-Stars

    Star India snaps up broadcast rights to Sachin-Warne’s Cricket All-Stars

    MUMBAI: Star India has snapped up the broadcast rights of the much awaited venture of Sachin Tendulkar and Shane Warne namely The Cricket All-Stars T20 tournament, featuring cricket legends from across the globe.

     

    Confirming the development to Indiantelevision.com a source close to the development said, “The rights are with Star and we all are looking forward to the tournament.”

     

    While Master Card has been roped in as the title sponsor of the tournament, negotiations are on with a few more brand. The source adds, “We are in the last phase of proceedings and will soon reveal many more developments.”

     

    The Cricket All-Stars T20 tournament is set to unfold on 7 November, 2015 in New York. The tourney will then move to Houston on 11 November and to Los Angeles on 14 November.

     

    Virender Sehwag, who recently retired, has also joined the roster, which has former Indian greats like Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Ajit Agarkar. While Warne confirmed his participation in the tournament a few days back, the master blaster Tendulkar was also spotted sweating it out in the nets yet again. Some of the others former cricketers who are a part of the league are Kumar Sangakkara, Jonthy Rhodes, Wasim Akram, Glen Mcgrath and Ricky Ponting.

     

    His recent tweets read : 

     

    Had fun at the nets today. #ComingToAmerica, see you in New York in 10 days.. #CricketAllStars2015 @T20AllStars

     

     

    Welcoming Sehwag and beginning the countdown, Telndulkar tweeted: Welcome my friend and a batsman with distinct style …………………. #10daystogo

     

     

    Senior cricket expert Hemant Kenkre said, “It’s a delightful opportunity for the average American cricket fans to see the legends playing in front of them. The initiative is nice. I remember something similar was done in Brabourne Stadium long back. From cricket’s perspective, it remains to be seen how fit the players are, it’s been long since many of them retired and no one knows how much cricket they have been playing. But overall Wasim Akram bowling to Lara or Sachin facing Warne again would be a worthy sight for cricket lovers.”

     

    A sports media planning veteran added, “Sachin, Sourav, Sehwag, Warne in one pitch again can take viewership to a different level, recently we saw in Wankhede how the entire stadium was chanting Sachinnnnn! Sachinnnnnn! Having said that, the matches are to be played in America so the timing will be an issue for the Indian audience. Moreover, how competitive the matches are, will be another factor to look at. Overall the first three matches will be an experiment and the quality of those will determine the future.”

     

  • 92.7 Big FM, Virender Sehwag join hands with Goonj for 4th edition of Daryadili

    92.7 Big FM, Virender Sehwag join hands with Goonj for 4th edition of Daryadili

    MUMBAI: 92.7 Big FM has always been at the forefront to contribute to the welfare of the nation. The largest FM conglomerate is all set to announce the 4th successful year of its heart-warming initiative – Daryadili. In an endeavor to support people battling against the bitter cold each year, 92.7 BIG FM has been bracing its 3 year old campaign by bringing together people from different strata of  society  to provide warm winter clothes and other  essentials to those in need.  A marquee initiative, Darya Dili 2014 will see the coming together of Radio Industry’s No. 1 Network – 92.7 BIG FM with Ace Cricketer Virender Sehwag and renowned NGO Goonj to support and uplift the marginalized. Over the last three successful years of the campaign, 92.7 BIG FM has been scaling up its social campaign to go pan India across its 45 station network dramatically increasing the reach to 4.3 Cr. To help accomplish the bold mission this year, the face of Darya Dilli, Virender Sehwag will come on the breakfast show every morning and promote auctions with a message.

     
    Eminent celebrities such as Sunidhi Chauhan, Farah Khan, Smriti Irani, Bappi Lahiri, Chetan Bhagat and Shaan have whole heartedly come forward to support the campaign. Renowned BIG FM RJs- RJ Siddharth, Yaadon Ka Idiot Box fame Neelesh Misra, Celeb RJ Richa will contribute to the cause. In Hyderabad, BIG FM RJs along with NGO will appeal listeners to educate kids from the street. In Bangalore and Chennai 92.7 BIG FM will support the under-privileged to hone their hidden talents and skills along with NGO Bhumi. In Chennai, RJs will appeal listeners to provide lesser privileged kids with stationary, toys and books. 92.7 BIG FM RJs across the country will touch the philanthropic side of listeners to make a positive impact on society.

     
    Speaking on the occasion, National Business Head, 92.7 BIG FM, Mr. Ashwin Padmanabhan stated, “92.7 BIG FM has always pioneered initiatives that contribute to the welfare and well-being of the society. It wasn’t long ago when we launched Darya Dilli with the aim of bringing people together to assist and aid those in need and it gives me great pleasure to announce that we have made good progress in a short span of just 3 years.  We are also delighted to announce the expansion of our campaign down south and Maharashtra that increases the reach to more than 4.3 crore across the nation. It is humbling to see how an idea that we thought of three years ago, has grown from strength and strength and today we have here with us a cricketing icon, Mr. Virender Sehwag, who has chosen to come forward and associate with us for this noble cause.”

     
    Speaking of his association with 92.7 BIG FM and Darya Dilli, Virender Sehwag stated, “It is with a deep sense of humility that I have associated with Daryadili. Making an effort to give warm blankets in the sheer cold of the north is a cause I’m personally and emotionally involved with.   These initiatives bring people together to realize, understand and contribute to building a more caring and compassionate society. I am extremely proud to be associated with 92.7 BIG FM, a brand that has been at the forefront of the helm in their endeavor to sensitize everyone towards issues that plague people every year and the steps one can really take to help one another.”

     

  • Sony Six to broadcast 2014 Pepsi IPL player auction

    Sony Six to broadcast 2014 Pepsi IPL player auction

    MUMBAI: ?Sony Six, India’s premier sports and entertainment channel will exclusively broadcastthe player auction that will take place before this year’s edition of the Pepsi Indian Premier League. Come February 12thand 13th, the 2014 Pepsi IPL Player Auction will be the talking point of the country as the bidding process rolls out for theseventh edition of the tournament.  The event that will see eight team owners battle it out to build their dream team, will be broadcast Live and Exclusive on Six and Six HD.

     

    With every team given the option of retaining a maximum of 5 players, this year’s auction is certain to bring up surprises, with the 8 franchise teams drafting new approaches to retain the best mix of cricketing talent. This year’s auction will feature 219 capped players (169 Indians and 50 overseas players) and will also feature 292 uncapped players (255 Indians and 37 Overseas). Indian uncapped players will be figuring in the auction for the very first time. The auction will take place at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru, on the 12th of February, with an option to carry onto the 13th of February.

     

    The auction will be conducted by Richard Madley, a professional auctioneer from England who hasbeen conducting the player auctions since the inaugural season in 2008, and will be hosted on Six by Gaurav Kapoor and Ajay Jadeja sharing their insights on player and team strategies.

     

    Some of the top players valued at the auction include Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Robin Uthappa, Yusuf Pathan, Brad Haddin, Brad Hodge, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Kevin Pietersen, Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Jacques Kallis, MahelaJayawardene, and Marlon Samuels.

     

    Sony Six business head Prasana Krishnan said, “This year’s auction is probably one of the biggest that we’ll see, as all teams will look for a major revamp. Six will bring an in-depth perspective into the strategy each team has chartered for the league, keeping the audience enthralled throughout the event.”

     

    The Pepsi IPL is a Twenty20 cricket league in India consisting of 8 teams. Teams will play in a round robin format where each team plays each other twice, home and away. The top 4 teams with maximum points at the end of the round robin format, qualify for the play offs. This is the 7th season of the Indian Premier League. Mumbai Indians were the winners of the previous edition in 2013.

  • Fila signs Rs 80 mn endorsement deal with Sehwag

    MUMBAI: Italian sports lifestyle brand Fila has appointed ace cricketer Virender Sehwag as its brand ambassador as it plans to increase its footprint across the Indian subcontinent.

    Sources say that the three-year deal is valued at Rs 80 million working out to roughly Rs 25 million per year. The payment includes endorsement fee as well as bonuses.

    The deal belies fears that the value of cricketers have dwindled following humiliating losses in two back to back overseas series in England and Australia.

    Virender Sehwag will be Fila’s brand ambassador across all categories of Footwear, Apparel & Accessories. Fila aims to strengthen their brand recall and further enhance their presence in India with this strategic appointment.

    The dashing cricketer will be a part of Fila’s marketing communication strategy across print campaigns, radio ads, television commercials, in store branding and online.

    Fila internationally has been associated in the past with various Sports stars like Michael Schumacher, Boris Becker and Björn Borg.

    Commenting on the association Fila India CEO Rajiv Bajaj said, “Cricket is one of the most widely followed sports in India, so when we decided to appoint a Brand Ambassador, a Cricketer was the obvious choice. We chose Virender since he personifies our brands core values and we recognized the great synergy between him and our brand. Virender also holds a World record and has a huge fan following amongst the youth, which is our primary target group.

    “We have ambitious growth plans and are sure that our association will take us to greater heights that we aim to achieve. We are confident that Fila will tremendously benefit from this relationship.”

    Fila currently has a presence in over 1,800 outlets along with 35 exclusive Stores in India across High Streets & Malls. The company plans to cross 100 exclusive stores within the next 2 years.

    Sehwag‘s endorsements are managed by Professional Management Group, which is co-owned by former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, Sam Balsara of Madison Group, and Noomi Mehta of Selvel Publicity.

    PMG had last year signed a five-year deal with Sehwag which included a minimum guarantee of Rs 1 billion valuing the deal at Rs 200 million per year.

    The cricketer currently endorses nine brands which includes the likes of adidas, Zandu Balm, Boost, JK Cement, Hero MotoCorp, Royal Challenge, Rasna, Karbonn Mobiles and Nirala.