MAM
Chennai Singams secures major jersey sponsorships ahead of ISPL debut
Mumbai: As excitement grows for the inaugural edition of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), Chennai Singams, the #RoartoRule cricket franchise, has secured significant jersey sponsorships across sports, hospitality, finance, banking, energy and food & beverages categories. ibis Hotels from the hospitality segment is among the major jersey sponsors for the franchise which is making its debut in the much-anticipated ISPL league. The inaugural edition of the Indian Street Premier League will get underway from 6 to 15 March 2024.
Apart from ibis Hotels, the Chennai-based team, led by serial entrepreneurs Rajdipkumar Gupta, Sandipkumar Gupta, and actor Suriya Sivakumar, has signed lucrative contracts with Nuwama Wealth, Hell Energy Drink, Yes Bank, TYKA and Route Energy, demonstrating their dedication to excellence and sportsmanship.
In response to these historic partnerships, Chennai Singams co-owner Rajdip Gupta said, “The team and I are very elated to join hands with such esteemed global brands. Such sponsorships and collaborations are important to increase team visibility and boost overall performance. Looking forward to a great season this year and tying up with numerous brands in the years to come.”
ibis, a globally recognised hospitality brand known for its modern accommodations and exceptional service, has joined forces with Chennai Singams as one of their premier jersey sponsors. Their association represents a shared commitment to excellence and performance, laying the groundwork for an electrifying debut in the ISPL.
Chennai Singams also welcomes Nuvama Wealth, a well-known financial services provider, as a jersey sponsor. This collaboration represents the convergence of sporting and financial expertise, as both organizations strive for success and growth in their respective fields.
Apart from that, Chennai Singams has joined hands with Hell Energy Drink as another valued jersey sponsor, adding vigor and vitality to their roster. Hell Energy Drink, with its invigorating blend and dynamic branding, complements the team’s energy and dynamism on the pitch.
In addition, the ISPL cricket franchise strengthens its financial base by securing Yes Bank as a key jersey sponsor. As India’s leading private sector bank, Yes Bank’s partnership demonstrates stability, growth, and a common vision for cricket success.
Chennai Singams has also partnered with TYKA, a well-known sports apparel brand known for its quality and innovation, to expand its roster of prestigious jersey sponsors. The TYKA association demonstrates a dedication to performance excellence and athletic prowess, which is consistent with the team’s philosophy.
Chennai Singams has also joined hands with Route Energy, an emerging solar energy solution provider with expertise in efficiency products, solutions, and consulting services. The brand offers consulting services in the renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors from technological, industrial, policy, socioeconomic, and collaborative perspectives.
ibis and ibis Styles India director of operations Tejus Jose said, “It’s going to be a great association with Chennai Singams as the popular game of cricket enters into different exciting formats. We, as one of the official jersey sponsors and partners of the franchise, wish all the luck and success to the team ahead of its ISPL debut.”
As ISPL gears up for its exhilarating T10 tennis ball cricket tournament, the Chennai Singams vow to enthrall spectators with their dynamic displays on the transformed streets of Mumbai, now turned into stadiums.
MAM
Sameer Nair steps down as CEO of Applause Entertainment
Veteran media executive exits after a decade at the Aditya Birla Group-backed studio.
MUMBAI: After a decade of calling the shots, Sameer Nair is taking a bow from Applause Entertainment. The veteran industry leader and CEO of the prominent content studio is stepping down from his role, according to sources familiar with the development. This marks a significant leadership transition at one of India’s key players in the television and digital content space.
Applause Entertainment, part of the Aditya Birla Group, has built a strong reputation under Nair’s leadership for its high-quality adaptations of international formats and a slate of original series across OTT platforms. Nair, who joined the company a decade ago, was instrumental in shaping its growth and positioning it as a notable force in India’s evolving streaming landscape.
Prior to Applause, he held senior roles at major media organisations, including Star India, where he played a pivotal part in the launch of the iconic show Kaun Banega Crorepati in 2000. He also worked with Balaji Telefilms and NDTV Imagine.
It remains unclear who will succeed Nair or what his next professional move will be. Queries sent to Nair did not receive a response, and Applause Entertainment declined to comment on the matter.
His exit comes at a time when the Indian content ecosystem is undergoing rapid changes, with streaming platforms recalibrating investments, focusing on profitability, and adjusting content strategies amid shifting viewer preferences and increasing competition.
Industry insiders suggest the transition could signal a strategic reset for Applause as it navigates the next phase of growth.
In the fast-paced world of Indian entertainment, where hits can fade as quickly as they rise, Sameer Nair has enjoyed a remarkably steady and influential run. As he steps off the stage at Applause, the spotlight now turns to what comes next for both the executive and the studio he helped build.







