Editors’ Synopsis:

• ZEE Entertainment signs Paytm, Kurkure Playz, Kent RO, Gulf Oil for the first season of ILT20
• ZEEL has signed a long-term partnership with Emirates Cricket Board for global media rights of DP World ILT20
• DP World ILT20 to be broadcast globally on ZEE’s 10 linear channels & OTT platform ZEE5
• From launching the league anthem ‘Halla Halla’ with superstar rapper Badshah to promoting the league globally through #HarBallBawaal campaign featuring Shah Rukh Khan, ZEE is taking major strides to mark its comeback in the sports broadcasting business
• DP World ILT20 is scheduled to start on January 13

ZEE Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL), India’s largest content and entertainment powerhouse’s journey as official broadcast partner of DP World International League T20 (DP World ILT20) has got off to a robust start with top advertisers already onboarded across key consumer categories. This is a significant milestone for the global cricketing league and testifies its inherent differentiation in terms of quality of league’s players, 6 franchise brand power and the Zee platform’s massive strength. The first set of sponsors for the 2023 edition of DP World ILT20 include Paytm, Kurkure Playz, Kent RO, Gulf Oil

With the inaugural edition of DP World ILT20 set to take off on January 13, the much-awaited cricketing event has been witnessing significant interest from global conglomerates as well as marquee Indian brands to associate as advertising partners of the league. ZEE Entertainment and DP World ILT20 are working in close co-ordination to garner a strong fan base and engage with the global cricketing community.

ZEE’S expansive and global network offers phenomenal opportunity for brands to engage with a wide and diverse range of demographics, cutting through languages and geographies. Marking its re-entry in the sports broadcast business, ZEE is taking major strides in giving its partners an extended engagement with their consumers.

Commenting on the announcement, Rahul Johri, President – Business, South Asia, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited, said, “As we embark on this exciting journey, we would like to extend a warm welcome to all our partners. We are delighted with the overwhelming response for the DP World ILT20’s inaugural edition. At ZEE, we are committed to take this unique cricketing extravaganza to our global audiences and firmly believe that the league will emerge as one of the biggest and most-popular global cricketing events.”

“Paytm is excited to be present on ILT20 since the series encourages the passion of cricket in the country. It’s association with Zee5 will always be cherished.”

Neha Agarwalla, GM Marketing, Paytm

“We are excited to be part of the ILT20 for our brand Kuhl fans. We are quite hopeful that Zee Network will put in their best and their experience of sports to make this league a huge success. Given the composition of league and kind of teams that are part of it, our brand messaging of being Smart and Stylish fits well. We wish the Zee team and ILT20 the very best”.

Mahesh Gupta, CMD, Kent RO Systems

“It is a delight to partner with this cricket extravaganza which takes the excitement of short format cricket up a notch, beyond Indian borders. Gulf Oil India resonates with this league as both entities display a passion for the sport. Gulf has been a constant supporter of performance sports – be it motorsports or cricket, where we have signed up eminent cricket personalities as our brand ambassadors. Going forward, we will continue to find new ways to excite & engage the consumers/fans in the best possible manner.”

Amit Gheji, Head of Marketing, Gulf Oil India

Earlier this month, ZEE Entertainment unveiled its #HarBallBawaal campaign film, featuring global superstar Shah Rukh Khan. The film beautifully captures the passion and ambition of cricket players along with the fan frenzy that surrounds T20 cricket. Furthermore, the company had roped in superstar Rapper Badshah to produce the league’s anthem ‘Halla Halla’. Since its launch, the campaign film and the league’s anthem has been garnering widespread popularity across social and digital media platforms.

DP World ILT20 will broadcast LIVE on the ZEE Entertainment’s 10 linear TV channels and stream on ZEE5 starting January 13th, 2023 from 6:45 PM onwards, with a mega Opening Ceremony, in English, Hindi and Tamil. The event will be broadcast on Zee Cinema (SD & HD), Zee Anmol Cinema, Zee Therai, Zee Bangla Cinema, Zee Zest (SD & HD), & Pictures HD, &Flix (SD & HD), and ZEE5 in India and globally.

The tournament will see 84 international cricketing stars from across the world, such as Joe Root, Alex Hales, Imran Tahir, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell, Shimron Hetmyer, Moeen Ali, Kieron Pollard and Wanindu Hasaranga, alongside UAE’s current and rising talents. The inaugural edition includes 6 teams Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, Gulf Giants, MI Emirates, and Sharjah Warriors. The league’s schedule can be found by visiting www.ilt20.ae.