iWorld
JioCinema & Sports18 to bring back T20 World cup memories – 8 Nov onwards
Mumbai – As cricket fans gear up for another epic showdown, JioCinema and Sports18 are bringing the South Africa vs India T20 series exclusively to screens from 8 to 15 November 2024. This four-match T20I series will not only reignite the rivalry between two top cricketing nations but will also serve as a callback to the T20 World Cup final that saw India crowned champions.
With India’s new-look T20 team stepping into the spotlight, the series promises to carry forward the legacy of India’s world champion status. This next generation of Indian cricketers is ready to prove their mettle, and the stakes are high as the team embarks on its journey to uphold the winning standards set at the World Cup. For Indian fans, this series is more than just a bilateral cricket competition; it’s a rematch that reminds us of the tension and exhilaration of the World Cup final.
Advertising opportunities with JioCinema
JioCinema, a leader in digital sports streaming, is offering advertisers a premium platform to engage millions of viewers during the T20 series. With innovative ad formats, seamless integration across mobile and web, and precise audience targeting, JioCinema ensures that brands can amplify their messaging during peak cricket viewership.
The pressure to maintain the status of world champions, combined with the excitement of fresh talent stepping up, makes this a must-watch event for fans and a golden opportunity for advertisers across the four matches (8, 10, 13 & 15 Nov) along with JioCinema’s introduction to new premium advertising offerings, providing access to two highly valuable audience segments for the first time. These include iOS users, who are individuals using Apple/iPhone devices, and a combined “iOS + 50k” group, consisting of people with phones valued at Rs 50,000 and above. Both of these premium cohorts are now available alongside the existing Connected TV (CTV) audience, giving advertisers a unique opportunity to reach the most affluent and sought-after viewers.
A Viacom18 spokesperson shared, “With India’s status as world champions and the fresh energy of the new T20 squad, this series will captivate audiences across the country. Our audience-first approach allows advertisers to craft high-impact campaigns that resonate with passionate cricket fans.”
Partners and sponsors join the action
Some of the country’s top brands—Housing.com, Uber, and Motul Oil—have joined as associate sponsors for this electrifying series, leveraging the opportunity to connect with fans through JioCinema’s advanced advertising solutions.
Housing.com vice president of marketing, Rahul Ralhan commented, “This series is poised to attract immense attention, especially with the new T20 team taking charge. We are excited to be part of this series and to reach such a diverse and engaged audience through JioCinema.”
Motul Oil director marketing – India & South Asia, Preetam Goswami said, “The intensity of a rematch with South Africa is bound to keep fans hooked, and we are proud to align our brand with this kind of high-energy content. Partnering with JioCinema provides us a unique chance to engage with audiences across the country.”
Uber India head of marketing, Ameya Velankar added, “Cricket is a major unifier in India, and the South Africa vs India series gives us the perfect platform to connect with millions. With JioCinema’s extensive audience targeting, we can engage cricket fans in a meaningful and impactful way.”
JioCinema and Sports18 will bring every ball, boundary, and breakthrough directly to viewers, ensuring an unforgettable experience for cricket lovers and an exceptional platform for brands to connect with their audience.
iWorld
Mastercard expands concert series with comedy and music format
Vir Das, Zakir Khan and Papon headline multi-city shows across India.
MUMBAI: From punchlines to power chords, the stage is getting a genre upgrade. Mastercard has unveiled the next phase of its multi-city concert series in India, blending stand-up comedy with live music in a format that mirrors the country’s evolving entertainment tastes. The new line-up brings together a diverse mix of performers, including comedians Vir Das and Zakir Khan, alongside singer Papon. The shift marks a departure from earlier editions that were primarily music-led, featuring global and Indian acts such as Enrique Iglesias, A. R. Rahman and Sunidhi Chauhan.
Curated in collaboration with Tribe Vibe and EVA Live, the expanded series is designed to create a broader cultural platform that brings humour, storytelling and music into a single live experience.
Vir Das will kick off the comedy segment in New Delhi with four shows across two days at Yashobhoomi on 9 and 10 May. Meanwhile, Zakir Khan is set for an extended run in Mumbai, with nine shows scheduled at Dome SVP Stadium across 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20 June, with additional dates expected.
On the music front, Papon will headline a six-city tour, beginning in Chandigarh on 16 May, followed by Ahmedabad on 29 May and Lucknow on 30 May. The tour will then move to Bengaluru on 6 June, Hyderabad on 7 June, and conclude in Indore on 14 June.
The series continues to offer exclusive benefits for Mastercard cardholders, including priority ticket access and premium lounge experiences at venues positioning the platform as both an entertainment and lifestyle proposition.
Beyond the spotlight, the initiative carries a social dimension. Through its partnership with Learning Links Foundation, Mastercard has enabled nearly 90 students from underserved communities across cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Chandigarh to experience live events often for the first time aiming to spark interest in careers within the experience economy.
As live entertainment becomes increasingly hybrid and experiential, Mastercard’s latest move signals a simple insight: today’s audience doesn’t just want a show, they want a story, a laugh and a memory, all rolled into one.
