Sports
Vida Knights Electrifying Box Cricket crowns champions in Kolkata
KKR fan tournament sees 32 teams battle over three days; Joy Game Changers lift inaugural title on 21 February 2026.
MUMBAI: Kolkata’s streets just hosted a cricket revolution because when fans swap the stands for the pitch, every boundary feels like a personal six. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), in partnership with Vida powered by Hero, wrapped up their first large-scale fan-only box cricket tournament, Vida Knights Electrifying Box Cricket, from 19–21 February 2026. The high-energy, grassroots event transformed neighbourhood pride into competitive fire, giving amateur players, fan clubs, and local heroes a professionally run stage inside the Knight Riders universe.
Across three non-stop days, 32 teams of 10 players each fought through group stages and knockouts in a fast-paced format packed with innovation. Joy Game Changers emerged as inaugural champions, with Knights Dé Xtreme taking runners-up honours after a weekend of noise, skill, and bragging rights that echoed Kolkata’s deep cricket passion.
Adding star power to the mix, one of the 32 teams featured popular local creators Neel Bhattacharya, Dasoham, Rahul Dey, Saiket Dey, and Nirit Datta blending digital fandom with on-ground action in a format that erased the line between watching and playing.
The tournament reimagined box cricket with Vida-branded twists, bonus targets rewarded precision shots (nodding to the scooter’s removable battery), the Vida Electric Over doubled every run and banned dismissals for explosive momentum, and the Impact Player rule let teams unleash a game-changer at clutch moments. Matches stayed unpredictable and adrenaline-charged right to the final delivery.
Knight Riders Sports group chief marketing officer Binda Dey said, “Cricket has always lived in the heart of Kolkata. With VIDA Knights Electrifying Box Cricket, we took the game back to the fans in a format that’s fast, accessible, and powered by participation.”
Motocorp chief business officer of Hero emerging mobility business unit Kausalya Nandakumar added, “Our association with KKR is rooted in confidence, resilience, and aspiration. VIDA Knights Electrifying Box Cricket brings cricket’s unmatched passion to the streets, creating a platform where supporters not only watch but play and engage.”
For a city where cricket isn’t just followed but lived, this tournament proved fandom runs deepest when it’s played on the same turf electric shots, community cheers, and zero distance between hero and hero-worshipper.
Sports
JK Lakshmi Cement named principal sponsor of Rajasthan Royals
Cement maker’s logo to feature on team jersey for the 2026 T20 season.
MUMBAI: When cricket meets concrete, the partnership is built to last. JK Lakshmi Cement Limited has signed on as the principal sponsor of Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 T20 season, marking a renewed collaboration between two organisations that share deep roots in Rajasthan. Under the agreement, the JK Lakshmi Cement logo will appear prominently on the back of the Rajasthan Royals’ match jersey throughout the season. The brand will also feature across team gear, in stadium signage and digital match day content, giving it strong visibility during one of India’s most watched sporting tournaments.
For JK Lakshmi Cement, the partnership reflects a long standing association with the state. The company has maintained a significant presence in Rajasthan for decades through its manufacturing facilities, distribution network and relationships with contractors, dealers and local communities.
JK Lakshmi Cement, deputy managing director Shrivats Singhania, at said the collaboration celebrates the shared heritage of both organisations. “Rajasthan has always been integral to our journey, shaping our identity and growth from our factories and logistics to the people and businesses that inspire us every day. This partnership with Rajasthan Royals deepens that connection, celebrating the shared values of entrepreneurship, performance and enduring commitment,” he said.
He added that the national reach of the T20 league offers an opportunity to showcase Rajasthan’s spirit on a larger stage.
Cricket continues to be one of India’s most powerful cultural connectors, drawing fans across regions and generations. JK Lakshmi Cement sees the association as a way to strengthen engagement with stakeholders ranging from homeowners and contractors to engineers, masons and dealers.
JK Lakshmi Cement president and director Arun Shukla noted that the journey of the brand and the team share striking similarities. “The journey of Rajasthan Royals is similar to ours strong roots in Rajasthan and a growing presence across the country. This partnership is also about honouring the people who work hard every day to build India, irrespective of the state they reside in,” he said.
He added that the association will help bring the brand closer to audiences, from individual homes in smaller towns to large infrastructure projects in major cities, while connecting them to the energy of the T20 season.
From the team’s perspective, the partnership strengthens its ties with homegrown brands.
Rajasthan Royals chief operating officer Alok Chitre said the team was pleased to welcome JK Lakshmi Cement as its principal sponsor. “We are happy to have JK Lakshmi Cement as our principal sponsor for the Rajasthan Royals 2026 season. It means a lot that a brand from Rajasthan is on the back of the Royals jersey. JK Lakshmi Cement is a natural partner because it has a strong presence in the state and beyond,” he said.
As India’s infrastructure and construction sectors continue to grow, JK Lakshmi Cement has been focusing on operational strength, innovation and long term expansion. Strategic collaborations such as this allow the brand to connect with wider audiences while reinforcing its presence in markets where it has long operated.
For Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, the deal adds another regional ally to its roster proving that sometimes, the strongest partnerships are the ones built close to home.
