Sports
CP Plus named title sponsor of Punjab Kings for IPL 2026
New jersey unveiled in Mohali symbolising performance and innovation.
MUMBAI: CP Plus just powered up Punjab Kings because when your sponsor’s name is on the jersey, even the boundaries start feeling more secure. CP Plus has been announced as the title sponsor of Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2026, with the partnership unveiled through the launch of the team’s new jersey in Mohali on Friday. The collaboration blends the high-energy spirit of cricket with CP Plus’s focus on precision, reliability and technology-driven innovation.
The jersey serves as a visual symbol of the alliance, reflecting shared values of performance, trust and future-readiness. The association aims to leverage the IPL’s massive platform for deeper consumer engagement, brand salience and regional resonance, particularly in cricket-passionate markets like Punjab.
CP Plus managing director Aditya Khemka said, “This marks the beginning of a meaningful journey for CP Plus. The unveiling of the Punjab Kings jersey is symbolic of a deeper alignment, one that is built on shared ambition, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.”
Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon added, “We would like to welcome CP Plus into the Punjab Kings family. It’s our pleasure to be associated with a brand that, like us, values excellence and keeps the consumer at the focus.”
Punjab Kings CCO Saurabh Arora noted, “CP Plus is a brand that people trust and encounter every day, which makes this partnership a seamless integration. Our goal is to build something across the season that delivers genuine consumer impact.”
As Punjab Kings prepare for IPL 2026, the partnership lays the foundation for immersive fan experiences, integrated storytelling and technology-led activations that connect sport, innovation and brand purpose both on and off the field.
In a league where every sponsor wants to stand out, CP Plus isn’t just buying space on a jersey, it’s buying into the heartbeat of a team, proving that when technology meets cricket’s passion, the real winner is the fan who feels the thrill up close.
Sports
Sony Sports launches Kannada channel to expand Karnataka reach
Network sharpens regional push with new Kannada offering, stacking cricket, global sports, and the Asian Games 2026
Mumbai: Sony Sports Network has stepped harder on the regional accelerator, launching Sony Sports Ten 4 Kannada as it targets Karnataka’s sizeable and sports-hungry audience.
The move marks a deeper foray into language-led broadcasting, with the network betting that fans increasingly want sport in their own tongue—not merely subtitled, but culturally tuned. The Kannada channel follows closely on the heels of its Tamil and Telugu launches in 2025, signalling a clear strategy: go local, scale fast.
With this addition, Sony Sports Network’s portfolio swells to 11 sports channels spanning five languages—English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada—cementing its pitch as one of India’s most expansive multi-language sports broadcasters.
The new channel arrives armed with a dense calendar. India’s bilateral tours of England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand headline the cricket slate, alongside the Women’s Asia Cup T20. Further out, the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026—featuring 41 disciplines including cricket, hockey and kabaddi—adds heft to the line-up.
Beyond the pitch, the offering stretches across global and domestic properties: UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, Indian Super League and UFC, all packaged with Kannada commentary and presentation.
“The South market is one of the most significant, accounting for about a third of the overall television viewership, and Karnataka is among one of the most dynamic and high-potential sports markets in the country,” said Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer and business head, sports and international, Sony Pictures Networks India. “As consumption increasingly shifts towards language-first experiences, regionalisation is no longer an option but a strategic imperative. With Sony Sports Ten 4 Kannada, we are deepening our commitment to this market, bringing fans closer to the action through a more immersive, culturally relevant viewing experience. This launch not only expands our regional footprint but also strengthens our ability to unlock new audiences and deliver greater value to our partners across an action-packed sporting calendar.”
Available across major distribution platforms, the channel aims to reach viewers across urban and rural Karnataka alike.
The message is unmistakable: in India’s fragmented media market, language is leverage—and Sony Sports intends to use it.
