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
IPL 2026 ad race sees digital-first categories dominate CTV
E-commerce leads CTV with 35 per cent share; Google tops linear TV
MUMBAI: In the IPL’s biggest face-off yet, it’s not just bat versus ball, it’s screen versus screen. And in IPL 2026, connected TV seems to be playing a very different game from traditional television. Fresh data from TAM Sports shows that advertising trends across Linear TV and CTV diverged sharply during the first 22 matches of the tournament, underlining how brands are splitting strategies across platforms.
On CTV, digital-first categories clearly stole the spotlight. E-commerce media, entertainment and social media alone accounted for a commanding 35 per cent share of ad volumes, followed by e-commerce services at 12 per cent. Smartphones (8 per cent), cars (7 per cent) and air conditioners (5 per cent) rounded off the top five, signalling a strong tilt towards tech-savvy, urban audiences.
Linear TV, however, told a more traditional story. Mouth fresheners led with a 14 per cent share, followed by e-commerce services at 12 per cent. Categories such as e-wallets, financial institutions and paints each held a 6 per cent share, reflecting mass-market consumption patterns that continue to anchor broadcast television.
The advertiser mix further highlights this split. On CTV, Star India (JioHotstar) dominated with a hefty 35 per cent share, followed by Google at 20 per cent. Havells India and Renault India each accounted for 4 per cent, while Reliance Consumer Products stood at 3 per cent.
On Linear TV, Google emerged as the top advertiser with a 13 per cent share, followed by Reliance Consumer Products at 9 per cent. Vishnu Packaging and Havells India held 6 per cent each, with K P Pan Foods at 5 per cent.
Despite these differences, there was notable overlap. More than 25 categories and over 20 advertisers were common across both platforms during the 22-match period. E-commerce, mouth fresheners, cars and paints featured prominently across screens, while brands like Star India (JioHotstar), Google and Reliance Consumer Products maintained strong cross-platform presence.
Yet, exclusivity is where the divergence becomes sharper. CTV saw over 15 exclusive categories and more than 25 exclusive advertisers, including smartphones, astrologers and fast food outlets. Linear TV mirrored this with over 15 exclusive categories and 20-plus advertisers, led by chocolates, jewellery and personal care.
The broader takeaway is clear. IPL advertising is no longer a one-screen strategy. CTV is fast emerging as a playground for digital-native, high-engagement categories, while Linear TV continues to deliver scale for traditional mass brands.
As the tournament progresses, one thing is evident: in the advertising IPL, it’s not just about where the eyeballs are, it’s about which screen they’re on.
