MAM
Hunter fuels youth victory as title sponsor of the inaugural Madhya Pradesh League
Mumbai: SOM Distilleries and Breweries Ltd is thrilled to announce that Hunter, its iconic brand known for embodying youthful spirit and an unyielding thirst for victory, will be the title sponsor of the inaugural Madhya Pradesh League (MPL), a franchise-based professional T20 cricket league. The MPL, organised by the Gwalior Division Cricket Association (GDCA) under the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), promises to be a ground-breaking event in the cricketing calendar, celebrating vibrant energy and competitive excellence.
The league’s inaugural edition, running from 15 June to 23 June 2024, will feature top players from the state, including IPL and international cricket stars. Drawing inspiration from the Indian Premier League (IPL), the MPL offers world-class production quality and broadcasting, delivering an electrifying “cricketainment” experience for local fans. This grand event is set to uncover new talent from the state, empowering regional cricket players by enhancing their confidence, game, and skill. It also seeks to provide substantial financial opportunities and a broad scope for growth for these athletes.
SOM Distilleries & Breweries Ltd chief marketing officer Anand Agrawal the makers of the very popular brand Hunter, shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to be the title sponsor of the Madhya Pradesh League. This collaboration perfectly aligns with Hunter’s core values of youthful spirit and it’s unparalleled thirst for victory. Our commitment to empowering regional cricket players and creating unforgettable experiences for local fans resonates with Hunter’s mission of fostering talent and community vibrancy.”
Hunter, synonymous with boldness and innovation, is a natural fit as the title sponsor for the MPL. The brand has always stood for the vibrancy and aspirations of today’s youth, making this association a perfect blend of cricket and youthful energy. The MPL aims to build a strong emotional connection with the audience, fostering a sense of community and support, which is at the heart of Hunter’s brand ethos.
MPL CEO Ravi Patankar added, “As MPL embarks on an exciting season, we are thrilled to welcome Hunter as our Title Sponsor. Their unwavering support reflects their commitment to excellence and their dedication to delivering top-notch experiences to customers. We look forward to a successful season together, representing the spirit of cricket and youthfulness.”
The inaugural edition, held at the Gwalior International Cricket Stadium, will feature five teams: Rewa Jaguars, Jabalpur Lions, Gwalior Cheetahs, Malwa Panthers, and Bhopal Leopards. Prominent players such as Kulwant Khejroliya, Avesh Khan, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar, and Kumar Kartikeya will grace the tournament. The league promises 10 days of high-octane cricket in a round-robin format and will be telecasted on Jio Cinema Digital and Sports Network 18 on TV.
The inauguration of the tournament was graced by Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, along with Jyotiraditya Scindia, JK Shah, and cricket legend Kapil Dev, among other dignitaries.
Hunter’s association with the MPL not only signifies a sponsorship but a celebration of youthful spirit, community, and the unyielding passion for cricket. This partnership aims to inspire and resonate with the youth, empowering them to pursue their dreams with confidence and vigour.
Brands
Ekart expands IKEA partnership with EV deliveries in Chennai
3PL to handle 600 plus products with 48 hour delivery via EV fleet.
MUMBAI: Flatpacks are going electric and your sofa might now arrive with a smaller carbon footprint. Ekart has expanded its partnership with IKEA to power last-mile deliveries in Chennai, doubling down on speed, scale and sustainability in one of India’s key urban markets. Under the collaboration, Ekart will manage end-to-end large-format deliveries for IKEA across the city using a 100 per cent dedicated electric vehicle fleet. The move makes Chennai the second major market after NCR-Delhi where Ekart handles IKEA’s last-mile logistics, signalling a broader rollout of EV-led supply chains.
The mandate is no small load. Ekart will oversee deliveries for over 600 products from IKEA’s catalogue, ranging from furniture to home décor—categories that demand specialised handling and precision logistics.
Backed by its technology-driven fulfilment network, Ekart is targeting deliveries within a 48-hour window, offering real-time tracking and end-to-end visibility from warehouse to doorstep. The focus is clear: faster turnarounds without compromising on control or customer experience.
The EV-first model also aligns with both companies’ sustainability goals, as urban logistics increasingly shifts towards zero-emission solutions. For IKEA, which continues to expand its omnichannel presence in India, reliable and eco-conscious last-mile delivery is becoming central to scale.
For Ekart, the partnership reinforces its positioning as an enterprise-grade logistics player in large-format commerce. The company already supports over 1,800 retail, D2C and enterprise brands, spanning last-mile delivery, part-truckload services and warehousing.
As India’s logistics ecosystem evolves, this collaboration highlights a growing trend: delivery is no longer just about distance, it’s about efficiency, experience and increasingly, emissions.
