Washington/Texas: Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has joined America’s National Cricket League (NCL) ownership group, a move that is expected to give a big boost to the sport in the United States in the coming years. “Cricket has been my life’s greatest journey and I am pleased to join the National Cricket League at such an exciting time for the sport in the US,” Tendulkar said after the NCL announced that the batting legend has joined them.

“The NCL’s vision to create a platform for world-class cricket while inspiring a new generation of fans to resonate with me. I look forward to being part of this new initiative and witnessing the growth of cricket in the US first hand,” Tendulkar said.

The NCL tournament opens with a performance by singer Mika Singh and features themed nights, bringing a Coachella-like energy, a media release said.

This season, the NCL brings together cricket legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Zaheer Abbas, Wasim Akram, Dilip Vengsarkar, Sir Vivian Richards, Venkatesh Prasad, Sanath Jayasuriya, Moin Khan and Blair Franklin. The cricketing heroes will mentor and coach the next generation of players.

It will also feature top-tier players from around the world, including Shahid Afridi, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Shakib Al Hasan, Robin Uthappa, Tabraiz Shamsi, Chris Lynn, Angelo Mathews, Colin Munro, Sam Billings, Mohammad Nabi and Johnson Charles.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Sachin Tendulkar to the National Cricket League family,” said Arun Agarwal, chairman of the NCL.

Tendulkar will present the championship trophy to the winning team at the NCL’s inaugural tournament, marking a historic moment for the sport’s rise in the United States, the media release said.

“His influence in cricket is comparable to what Pele does in soccer or Babe Ruth in baseball. Sachin’s commitment to the game, along with his global appeal, will be key as we introduce cricket to new audiences in America. His involvement highlights the NCL’s goal to inspire future generations and establish cricket as a major sport in the US,” Agarwal said.

NCL said while sports legends like Michael Jordan elevated basketball to global heights and Brady carved out a dynasty in football, Tendulkar’s influence reached beyond cricket fields, inspiring billions across the world. His presence changes the sport itself, much like how Muhammad Ali became an ambassador of boxing or how Tiger Woods revolutionised golf. Tendulkar was not just a player — he was the face of cricket’s rise into a worldwide phenomenon, his mastery of the game making him a household name far beyond cricket-loving nations.

Headquartered in Dallas, the NCL has introduced an innovative Sixty Strikes format, a fast-paced version of the game.

MUMBAI: Legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar will be back in action on a cricket field as he will feature in the inaugural International Masters League (IML), a six-team T20 competition, to be held later this year across three venues.

The IML will have players from India, Australia, South Africa, West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka and will be played in Mumbai, Lucknow and Raipur.

The T20 tournament, to be held annually, is the brainchild of Tendulkar and former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who will also be the league commissioner.

Tendulkar and Gavaskar will collaborate with PMG Sports and SPORTFIVE, a sports marketing company, in establishing another company in India to stage the league, a release said.

Parties interested in participating in the league through an ownership of one of the franchise teams were also invited to send expression of interest.

“In the last decade, T20 cricket has accelerated its adoption, and has drawn new fans into the game. There is now a strong desire among fans across ages, to re-witness age-old battles in newer formats,” Tendulkar said.

“Sportspersons never retire at heart and the competitive streak within waits for an opportunity to get back on the field. We have conceived the International Masters League as a meeting point of passionate fans and competitive cricketers,” he added.

Gavaskar said, “The International Masters League will bring fans closer to the legends they’ve admired for years, offering another golden chance to watch their heroes live in action.”

Public sector lender Bank of Baroda (BoB) has signed cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar as the bank’s global brand ambassador. The three-year deal involving a strategic partnership between the ace cricketer and the bank was announced ahead of the launch of its first campaign featuring Sachin, called “Play the Masterstroke.” The bank has introduced the ‘bob Masterstroke Savings Account,’ designed especially for clients desiring premium services.

BoB said in a statement that Sachin, a Bharat Ratna awardee, will be positioned as brand ambassador, featuring in all the bank’s branding campaigns, consumer education and awareness programmes on financial literacy and fraud prevention, as well as customer and employee engagement programmes.

This is the second instance of BoB appointing a cricket player as brand ambassador. Earlier, in 2005, BoB had appointed right-hand batsman Rahul Dravid as its brand ambassador. He is now a brand ambassador for Shriram Finance Ltd.

Many banks have roped in sportspersons and cine stars as brand ambassadors. In October 2023, the country’s largest lender, State Bank of India, had onboarded former Indian cricket team captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni as brand ambassador. Last week, Utkarsh Small Finance Bank tied up with legendary boxer Mary Kom and celebrated footballer Sunil Chhetri as its brand ambassadors.

In 2021, AU Small Finance Bank had appointed accomplished Indian cinema actors Aamir Khan and Kiara Advani as brand ambassadors.

At present, badminton Olympian P V Sindhu, Indian woman cricketer Shafali Verma, and tennis player Sumit Nagal are acting as brand endorsers for Bank of Baroda.

As part of this partnership, Tendulkar will serve as the face of Sugar.fit and represent its overall diabetes management program.

Sugar.fit, a health-tech startup has announced the onboarding of the cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador. This strategic partnership with Tendulkar will aid Sugar.fit in its journey as a force in the battle against Type 2 diabetes.

Madan Somasundaram and Shivtosh Kumar, co-founders of Sugar.fit, said, “We are deeply honoured to welcome Sachin Tendulkar as our brand ambassador and equity partner. His unwavering commitment to fitness and healthy living resonates with our mission. At Sugar.fit, we see the struggles of those battling diabetes every day, and it is our passion to help them regain control of their health. With Sachin by our side, we believe we can inspire more people to take charge of transforming their lives.”

This alliance is an alignment of Sugar.fit’s commitment to providing effective, sustainable solutions for diabetes reversal and management along with Tendulkar’s vision of a fitter and healthier India. As part of this partnership, Tendulkar will serve as the face of Sugar.fit and represent its overall diabetes management program, the company stated in a press release.

Sharing his thoughts on the partnership, cricketer Tendulkar said, “Sugar.fit is a brand that shares my vision for a fit and healthy India. Their aim to change how people perceive diabetes and help them take preventive or even curative care will certainly help to battle diabetes that affects millions in India and I am truly happy to be part of their mission. Together with Sugar.fit, I hope to inspire people to make lifestyle changes that can lead to a healthier India”.

This collaboration strengthens Sugar.fit’s brand image in the digital health space and solidifies its market presence as a reliable and consumer-focused diabetes care brand, it added.

Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale, a revered name in Indian namkeen, sweets, and snacks, celebrates the start of its 75th anniversary this year, with an exciting collaboration with cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. This partnership heralds a new chapter blending timeless tradition with star power.

Established in 1950, by the visionary Late Bhausaheb Chitale and then joined by the Late Rajabhau Chitale, they laid a foundation of culinary excellence that has become a cherished staple of countless households.Their commitment to quality and tradition has solidified Chitale Bandhu’s reputation, making it a household name across India and beyond. Having grown from a modest sweets store to an internationally renowned brand known for its rich quality and delicious products, Chitale Bandhu has expanded its offerings to a wide array of premium as well as pocket friendly range of namkeen, sweets and snack delights.

The second generation of leadership, comprising Madhav Chitale, Shrikrishna Chitale, and Sanjay Chitale, has laid the foundation of a strong business network. They have supported and grown the business by establishing robust retail and distribution channels and also made significant strides in social responsibility and community engagement. Their efforts have further cemented Chitale Bandhu’s reputation as a beloved brand.

With Sachin Tendulkar joining as the new brand ambassador, Chitale Bandhu will unveil a fresh lineup of snacks and savouries. These new offerings will be inspired by consumers’ favourite flavours and crafted with the same dedication to taste and excellence. The collaboration between Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale and Sachin Tendulkar is more than just a partnership; it’s a celebration of shared values, legacy and the spirit of excellence that defines both icons.

“As someone who values tradition and excellence, I am pleased to partner with Chitale Bandhu, a brand that has been a cherished part of so many lives, including mine, for generations,” said Sachin Tendulkar. “I’m excited to join them as they celebrate their 75th-year milestone and continue to bring joy to families across the globe.”

“Sachin Tendulkar’s values of dedication and excellence mirror those of our founders, and we are thrilled to welcome him as our brand ambassador. We look forward to creating new memories with our customers through this collaboration”, said Indraneel Chitale, Partner, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale. “Celebrating 75 years is a significant achievement for us, and we are excited to share this moment with our customers and team members,” added Kedar Chitale, Partner, Chitale Bandhu Mithaiwale.

In 1976, the company introduced the Maharashtrian Bakarwadi, a distinctive and popular snack that quickly became a favourite among its customers. Recognizing the growing demand for this unique treat, Chitale Bandhu became the first company to pioneer in machine production of the new people’s favourite.

With the adoption of machine-produced Bakarwadi in 1996, Chitale Bandhu set a new benchmark for consistent quality and taste, effectively addressing the surging market demand. From the bustling streets of Pune to households in the United States, Europe, the Gulf, and beyond, Chitale Bandhu and Chitale Bandhu Americas have become staples of countless celebrations, offering a diverse range of over 250 products, spanning from sweets to savouries and more. Chitale Bandhu is inviting distributors across Maharashtra to join in the mission of spreading its delicious offerings.

As Chitale Bandhu reflects on its storied history, the company remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, looking forward to delivering exceptional products and experiences. The launch of its 75th anniversary celebration, in partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, heralds a new chapter in the brand’s legacy. This milestone blends tradition with modernity and paves the way for continued success and growth.

​​The film underscores the versatility and relevance of life insurance products across all age groups, reinforcing the message that it’s never to early or late to secure one’s future, the right time is whenever one chooses to act. The campaign sheds light on the significance of early financial planning for parents through the lens of Tendulkar’s debut.

Ageas Federal Life Insurance, India’s private life insurer, has introduced its latest brand campaign film, “Cradle to Crease,” an initiative that drives home the message that while the future might be exciting, evolving and uncertain, by focusing on financial planning and investing in life insurance, one can face the future with optimism, hope and confidence.

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, a child’s future isn’t as distant as it once seemed. Recognising this, the campaign sheds light on the significance of early financial planning for parents through the lens of Tendulkar’s debut.

Speaking about the brand film, Erum Kidwai, senior vice president and head- marketing at Ageas Federal Life Insurance, remarked, “With “Cradle to Crease,” we aim to redefine the narrative surrounding financial planning and insurance. Sachin Tendulkar’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that there is no fixed age or time to prioritise financial security. Through this film, we seek to inspire individuals to take charge of their future fearlessly and embrace a proactive approach towards financial planning through insurance.”

Commenting on the brand’s use of innovative technology when it comes to marketing campaigns, Kidwai added, “Be it our Young Sachin campaign, The Boy Who Dreamed, SachinVerse campaign or the present Cradle to Crease Ad, we are proud to be the first brand in the BFSI sector in India to integrate Gen AI and Deep Fake positively to educate audiences about the necessity of Life Insurance in a way that is relatable to today’s tech savvy audience. These campaigns also ensure that they appeal to the entire spectrum of our target audience from all age groups”

Building on the long-term brand philosophy of #FutureFearless, the brand reminds people that with timely investment through life insurance, they can be adequately prepared for any uncertainties or disruptions that life throws at us, the company stated in a press release.

The film underscores the versatility and relevance of life insurance products across all age groups, reinforcing the message that it’s never to early or late to secure one’s future, the right time is whenever one chooses to act.

Mukund Olety, chief creative officer of VML, shared, “After a very successful Young Sachin campaign, we have created Cradle to Crease. The film features Sachin walking through the tunnel of life as he reaches the pitch. Using technology, we’ve created a hyper-realistic rendition of 16-year-old Sachin to recreate the moment he made his international debut. With the power of Gen-AI, we’ve told a story that could not have been told 5 years ago. We are constantly pushing boundaries and using technology to make storytelling richer and better. We’re sure seeing Sachin walk up to his debut shall inspire a lot of parents to plan better.”

The 360 campaign will be amplified across social media platforms, including sports, news and finance channels and OOH and digital OOH across 6 cities including Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Kolkata, Kerala (Cochin, Kottayam, and Trivandrum) to effectively engage its target audience, amplifying its message of prudent financial planning.

Hafele’s brand purpose, ‘Maximising the value of space. Together,’ serves as a guiding compass, leading us in crafting holistic and sustainable environments for our customers where they can enjoy the multiplied benefits of their living and working spaces.

Hafele, a global leader in the interior solutions segment, has announced its collaboration with the cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar, as the brand ambassador for its Indian Subsidiary. This partnership marks the coming together of two legacies known for their precision, commitment to quality and values.

Revered internationally as the ‘God of Cricket’ and recognised world-wide for his outstanding performance over a career spanning 20 years, Tendulkar embodies excellence, integrity and a relentless pursuit to perfection – values that resonate deeply with Hafele, the company stated in a press release.

As a brand ambassador, Tendulkar will collaborate closely with Hafele to amplify the brand’s purpose, maximising the value of space and inspire customers to elevate their spaces with Hafele’s state-of-the-art interior solutions.

“We are honoured to welcome Sachin to the Hafele family,” said Frank Schloeder, managing director – Hafele South Asia. “We believe he is the perfect fit for our brand especially given his passion for cooking and preparing delicacies in his kitchen. Who better than him to bring our contemporary interior solutions to the forefront and highlight their efficient functionality, cutting edge technology and enhanced aesthetics. Furthermore, his perseverance and attention to detail align perfectly with our brand values. With Sachin on-board we are eager to embark on this journey of inspiration and innovation, revolutionalising the way people perceive and maximise the value of their space.”

Tendulkar expressing his enthusiasm, said, “I am very happy to be partnering with Hafele. We embarked on this journey because we felt there’s a great value match between our teams. I have been passionate about food and cooking, and a good kitchen is what enables delicious joys for every family. With young Indians aspiring to be the best at everything they do, they seek solutions which are innovative and cutting-edge. While visiting Hafele’s Design Centre, I saw this in action.”

“The brand philosophy of maximising the value of space stood out for me. I look forward to this relationship and wish the teams at SRT Sports Management (SRTSM) and Hafele all the very best as we continue to work closely on our joint objectives,” he added.

The partnership between Hafele and Sachin Tendulkar marks the beginning of an extraordinary chapter. Together we look forward to inspiring our customers to create homes that not only reflect their unique personalities but also enhance their everyday living, the company added.

The latest ad film shines a spotlight on a student, as she enters the Unacademy centre cheered on by Sachin Tendulkar and the educators. The visuals captivatingly depict the diverse facets of exam preparation, with Unacademy Educators consistently motivating her to excel. With a soundscore reminiscent of a packed cricket stadium cheering on Sachin Tendulkar, the ad underscores Unacademy Centres unwavering support for every student, encouraging them louder than anyone else.

Learning platform, Unacademy has unveiled a new brand campaign – ‘The Power Behind You’ featuring cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

The film shot at an Unacademy Centre, captures Tendulkar and a team of Unacademy educators cheering on a student as she strives to crack her dream exam.

The latest ad film shines a spotlight on a student, as she enters the Unacademy centre cheered on by Sachin Tendulkar and the educators. The visuals captivatingly depict the diverse facets of exam preparation, with Unacademy Educators consistently motivating her to excel.

With a soundscore reminiscent of a packed cricket stadium cheering on Sachin Tendulkar, the ad underscores Unacademy Centres unwavering support for every student, encouraging them louder than anyone else. It conveys the message that with the backing of Unacademy Centres, learners can overcome their fears and doubts, fueled with determination to succeed.

“Partnering with Sachin Tendulkar on this campaign is a testament to our mission to be the relentless force behind the aspirations of every student in this country. His journey symbolises the resilience and excellence we nurture and embodies the spirit of our campaign, ‘The Power Behind You’. We want every learner to know that they have the powerful support system championing their dreams”, said Jagnoor Singh, COO of Unacademy Centres.

Sachin Tendulkar said, “In every challenge in my career, I found strength in the collective cheer and belief of a billion people. This profound support was more than just encouragement, it powered me to push boundaries. I see a parallel in the ambitions of young learners and Unacademy Centre’s endeavour to support them through their journey to success resonates with me on a personal level. I am happy to be on the other side, cheering on these young aspirants. ”

Energy solutions provider Luminous Power Technologies on Thursday announced the inauguration of its solar panel manufacturing factory at Rudrapur in Uttarakhand. Equipped with the latest advancements in solar panel manufacturing, the facility boasts of cutting-edge technology and infrastructure designed to ensure maximum efficiency and minimal environmental impact, a company statement said.

According to the statement, the inauguration event was graced by legendary cricketer and Luminous Brand Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar, accompanied by Preeti Bajaj, CEO & MD, Luminous Power Technologies, and Manish Pant, Chairman of Luminous Board & Executive VP – International Operations, Schneider Electric.

The inauguration of the solar plant marks an important milestone for Luminous, with the company undertaking strategic business decisions to evolve from manufacturing a best-in-class product range in the solar, inverter, and battery categories to building an end-to-end solar energy management ecosystem.

Preeti Bajaj, MD & CEO of Luminous Power Technologies, said in the statement, “Solar will be a significant part of our business, and we see it as a major growth enabler as we aim to double our growth in the next three years.”

The factory, spread over 10 acres, is fully automated and equipped with the latest and cutting-edge solar module manufacturing technologies.

The plant also boasts of being the first in the country to have fully robotic automation capabilities to manufacture high-quality modules. Having the current capacity of 250 MW, the state-of-the-art plant is expandable up to 1 GW, the company said.

Manish Pant, Chairman of Luminous Board & Executive VP – International Operations, Schneider Electric, said in the statement, “This factory is a significant step towards achieving the collective goal of Schneider and Luminous to promote net-zero practices and sustainable energy solutions.”

Luminous Power Technologies has been in business for 35 years.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has made an undisclosed investment in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) and will serve as its core committee member, providing advice on the new T10 cricket league format.

On partnering with the ISPL, Tendulkar stated that the league will offer opportunities to cricket enthusiasts across all age groups. “The exciting format of ISPL formalises a form of cricket that is much played across all age groups. I am looking forward to bringing my experience to the table and contributing to the evolution of this format and the league,” he added.

ISPL aims to connect cricket fans nationwide, showcasing undiscovered talents and potentially paving the way for professional cricket with Tendulkar’s involvement.

Ashish Shelar, Core Committee Member, ISPL, said, “We are honoured to welcome Sachin Sir to the ISPL. His investment in the league is a testament to his belief in the format. Sachin will bring his passion and expertise to ISPL and support the long-term development and growth of the league.”

Amol Kale, Core Committee Member, ISPL, said, “We welcome Sachin Tendulkar to ISPL, a format that is close to our hearts. The ISPL brings a professional league format to the raw and thrilling experience of street cricket, and I look forward to Sachin helping to make our vision for the ISPL a reality. He will add immense value to the ISPL.”

Suraj Samat, Commissioner, ISPL, said, “At ISPL, we are finding talent by allowing everyone to play a professional game of cricket with a tennis ball. Sachin Sir’s insights and guidance will be invaluable in this pursuit as we strive to transform the game at the grassroots level.”

Scheduled to kick off from March 6th to March 15th, 2024, in Mumbai, the inaugural edition of ISPL promises an exciting roster of matches, featuring six competitive teams: Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir).

Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) has also recently announced the Invitation to Bid for the co-ownership across the six teams: Hyderabad, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, and Srinagar, with bids starting at INR 10 lakhs.