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
Historic T20 win brings historic payout: India’s Rs131 crore cash bonus for champions
BCCI rewards players, coaches, and support staff following India’s third T20 World Cup triumph on home soil.
MUMBAI: The Indian cricket team may have just finished sprinting between wickets, but they are now racing all the way to the bank. Following their historic triumph at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a staggering cash reward of Rs 131 crore for the victorious squad.
It appears that in India, when it rains sixes, it pours riches. Just two days after Suryakumar Yadav’s men dismantled New Zealand in a high-octane final at Ahmedabad, the BCCI decided to ensure the players’ bank balances looked as impressive as the scoreboard.
This isn’t just a “well done” handshake. The Rs 131 crore bounty marks a record-breaking payday, surpassing the Rs 125 crore handed out after their 2024 success. This latest windfall celebrates a hat-trick of sorts: India has become the first nation to win three T20 titles, the first to successfully defend the crown, and the first to lift the trophy on home soil.
The mountain of cash is set to be shared among the 15-man squad, including the final’s standout performer Sanju Samson, whose 89 runs helped set a record-breaking target. However, the generosity does not stop at the boundary rope. The coaching staff, led by Gautam Gambhir, along with the support crew and the national selectors, will all receive a slice of this very lucrative pie.
On the pitch, India’s performance was nothing short of clinical. They posted a mammoth 255 runs before Jasprit Bumrah did what he does best, leaving the New Zealand chase in tatters. Off the pitch, the rewards are equally clinical. Alongside this BCCI bonus, the team also pockets a cool $3 million in official prize money from the ICC.
While cricket is often called a gentleman’s game, it is clearly becoming a wealthy one too. For the players who spent the last month under immense pressure, the weight of the trophy is now being matched by the weight of their wallets. As the celebrations continue across the country, one thing is certain: it pays to be a world champion.
