MAM
Sahara to sponsor Indian women’s cricket team for 3 years
MUMBAI: While the boys in blue are slugging it out in the field against Pakistan, the girls are getting their act together. The Women’s cricket World Cup, which kicks start in South Africa on 21 March, will see eight countries participating: India, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, England and West Indies.
Sahara India Pariwar today announced that they would officially sponsor the Indian Woman’s cricket team for the next three years. Present at the announcement were Sahara deputy director Uttam Kumaar Bose, Women’s Cricket Association of India Hon. Secretary Shughangi Kuklarni, Indian Women’s cricket team brand ambassador Mandira Bedi and Percept D Mark COO Devraj Sanyal.
Bose said, “Sahara has always been associated with various sports in the country and we believe that our association with the Indian Woman’s Cricket team will be instrumental in enhancing the popularity of the sport in India. I wish the team the best in their bid for the upcoming World Cup.”
The Indian Woman’s Cricket team has put up excellent performances in the recent past with three consecutive victories over World Champions New Zealand in 2003 and West Indies and Sri Lanka in 2004.
Kulkarni on the other hand said, “We welcome Sahara’s association with the Indian women’s cricket team. I am certain that this partnership will go a long way and that Sahara’s involvement with the team will be an enduring one.”
Indian Woman’s Cricket team captain Mithali Raj said, “Our team is looking forward to the World Cup challenge and considering the recent performance of our players, I am confident that we will bring laurels to the country. The support from Sahara will prove to be a definite morale booster, especially since it precedes this major event.”
“Corporate India should turn its smiles and the finances to women’s cricket, which holds immense potential not just for the sport but also for its patrons. Percept D Mark believes that “Cricktainment” is all set to add a feather to its cap and transform the way cricket has perceived,” Sanyal said.
Sanyal added that the next 12 – 15 months, the company would develop the road map that would take women’s cricket to the next level.
Prior to this, Sahara had sponsored the 2002 Women’s World Cup, which was held in England.
The Indian Woman’s Cricket team comprises Mithali Raj (captain), Anjum Chopra, Neetu David, Deepa Marathe, Arundhati Kirkire, Hemlata Kala, Kareena Jain, Amita Sharma, Jhilmil Goswami, Reema Malhotra, Rumila Dhar, Jaya Sharma and Nashin Alkadir. With Sanya Mirza and Anju George making a mark in their respective sports, it remains to be seen, which one of these will be the golden gal on the block from the cricket field!
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI:Â Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
