Indiantelevision.com Team

(24 September 2008 3:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Neo Cricket has roped in a clutch of sponsors even as it targets an ad revenue of Rs 2.75-3 billion for the two upcoming cricket series.

Airtel is the co-presenting sponsor while Hero Honda is an associate sponsor for both the Australia and England series. Toyota and Coca-Cola are associate sponsors for the Australia series.

Says Neo Cricket senior VP ad revenue Sunil Manocha, "We are on track to reach our target of Rs 2.8 billion. As of now we have sold 70 per cent of the inventory. By the time the series starts, I would look to have sold out everything."

For the Australia series, Neo is charging Rs 75 million from co-presenting sponsors and Rs 47 million for associate sponsors. Sources say Neo is looking at Rs 50 million from co-presenting sponsors for the England series and Rs 30 million from associate sponsors.

The co-presenting sponsors get 36 10-second spots while the associate sponsors get 20 spots.

Hero Honda and Perfetti have a long term deal with Neo Cricket.

"For the Australia series, we are looking for two more sponsors," says Manocha.

For the Test matches, Neo aims to sell spot rates between Rs 80,000-Rs 100,000 for 10 seconds. Manocha says that the broadcaster has already found takers in companies like Visa and Aviva.

In addition rival companies could also take spots. "Blocking of rival sponors by paying a premium happens mostly for T20 games where the secondages are less. For Test matches, though, the scene is different," says Manocha.

Neo is also in the process of selling special packages for the Australia series. These include fours and sixes, fall of wickets and play of the day.

As far as on ground sponsorships are concerned, World Sport Group, which has the rights for this, has roped in Royal Bank Of Scotland, Fosters, Airtel and Toyota. Fosters has come on-board as the beverage partner.

Also Read: Neo Cricket eyes Rs 3 bn from Australia, England series