Sports
Punjab Kings secure CP Plus as IPL 2026 title sponsor
Global security giant teams up with IPL finalists for tech-driven fan experiences and brand boost.
MUMBAI: In a partnership that’s bound to keep rivals under surveillance, Punjab Kings have locked down CP Plus as their title sponsor for IPL 2026, blending cricket’s edge-of-the-seat thrills with cutting-edge security smarts. Fresh off last season’s nail-biting run to the final, the franchise is gearing up for another high-stakes showdown, now with a tech-savvy ally that’s all about watching your back,literally.
CP Plus, the global powerhouse in video surveillance, biometric access, home automation, and enterprise security, isn’t just slapping its name on jerseys, it’s diving headfirst into a season packed with digital storytelling wizardry, lively on-ground events, and immersive fan perks. Picture stadium screens alive with tech integrations that make every match feel like a blockbuster, turning passive viewers into part of the action. It’s a nod to how Indians crave trust and innovation in everything from their homes to their favourite sport, proving that safety and sixes can go hand in glove.
CP Plus managing director Aditya Khemka couldn’t hide his excitement, “Cricket unites millions, and this tie-up with Punjab Kings feels like a perfect innings. Their fearless vibe mirrors our own discipline, precision, and performing under pressure. We’re set to connect with fans nationwide, showcasing how our tech builds safer, smarter worlds.”
Echoing the buzz, Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon chimed in, “Thrilled to have CP Plus on board, it’s a shared vision that’ll amp up value for everyone.” Punjab Kings chief commercial officer Saurabh Arora added a dash of flair “CP Plus fits right into daily Indian life, making this a slam-dunk for IPL crowds. Expect a campaign that pulls fans deeper into the Punjab Kings universe.”
Adding firepower to their arsenal, Punjab Kings wrapped up their 25-member squad at the IPL 2026 auction on 16 December, snapping up four fresh talents to bolster their core. With ambition crackling like a live wire, the team is primed for a season of fireworks, where every boundary might just come with a side of surveillance savvy. Who knew cricket could get this securely entertaining?
Sports
Zee to broadcast ILT20 Season 5 from November 22
34 match Gulf league runs till 20 December, streamed on Zee5.
MUMBAI: Cricket is packing its bags for a winter getaway and this time, the desert’s calling the shots. Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited has locked in the live broadcast of Season 5 of the DP World International League T20, setting the stage for a month-long cricket spectacle from November 22 to December 20, 2026. The six-team tournament will feature 34 matches, culminating in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. The league, already positioned as the second-most watched T20 competition globally, continues its December window shift, a move introduced in Season 4 after its earlier January-February scheduling.
That shift appears to have paid off. Season 4 drew 397 million unique viewers across television and OTT platforms, marking a 7.49 per cent increase over Season 3. The final, held on January 4, 2026, played out to a packed stadium as the Desert Vipers clinched their maiden title with a 46-run win over the MI Emirates.
Zee will air the matches across its linear television network and stream them on Zee5, while also exploring distribution via its upcoming dedicated sports channels. The broadcaster is clearly betting big on cricket to deepen engagement and expand its sports footprint.
Season 4’s on-field fireworks were matched by star power. Sam Curran walked away as Player of the Tournament and Best Batter, while Waqar Salamkheil claimed Best Bowler honours, and Muhammad Waseem emerged as the Best UAE Player. The squads also featured global names such as Andre Russell, Kieron Pollard, Moeen Ali and Sunil Narine, reinforcing the league’s international appeal.
Beyond the boundary ropes, the league is also expanding its footprint. Partnerships with the Saudi Arabia Cricket Federation and Kuwait Cricket are expected to feed into development tournaments ahead of Season 5, signalling ambitions that stretch beyond just a broadcast window.
For Zee, the message is clear, as cricket chases newer geographies and audiences, the broadcaster is determined not just to air the game but to own a bigger slice of its growing global narrative.
