Brands
Skybags packs its bags with CSK as cricket gets a stylish carry-on
Youth brand enters sports with co-branded luggage as CSK’s official partner.
MUMBAI: When cricket fever meets travel style, even luggage gets a team jersey. Skybags has stepped onto the sporting field by launching its official licensed Chennai Super Kings merchandise, becoming the team’s official luggage partner for the 2026 season. The move marks Skybags’ strategic entry into sports marketing, beginning with cricket, often described as nothing short of a national obsession in India. The partnership will see Skybags retail an exclusive range of co-branded luggage and backpacks inspired by CSK’s iconic visual identity, blending team pride with practical design for today’s always-on-the-move consumers.
The association also strengthens the sports-focused ambitions of VIP Industries Limited, Skybags’ parent company, as it looks to engage younger audiences through high-energy platforms and fan-led cultural moments. Skybags will be integrated into CSK’s fan engagement activities throughout the 2026 season, while the official merchandise will continue to be sold even after the cricket league concludes.
Pricing has been positioned to appeal to a wide fan base. The co-branded luggage range will start at Rs 4,590, while backpacks will be available from Rs 1,999, making team colours accessible beyond the stadium.
VIP Industries Limited managing director and CEO Atul Jain said the partnership reflects a natural alignment. Cricket, he noted, is deeply woven into India’s cultural fabric, and CSK’s reputation for consistency, excellence and talent development mirrors Skybags’ own brand values. He added that this collaboration is intended as the first of several meaningful sporting associations for Skybags.
From the franchise’s side, Chennai Super Kings managing director KS Viswanathan said the partnership adds a new dimension to fan engagement. By extending CSK branding into everyday travel products, the collaboration gives supporters another way to express their loyalty beyond match days.
The Skybags x CSK range will be available across more than 500 retail outlets nationwide, all major e-commerce platforms, and through the CSK website, CSK app and the Skybags online store. As India pushes towards becoming a global sporting powerhouse, Skybags is betting that fandom does not stop at the boundary rope and that even a suitcase can carry team spirit.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: 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.
