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Playr hits a merchandising hat-trick with CSK, GT, and SRH in 2025 season
MUMBAI: Cricket isn’t just a sport in India—it’s a fashion statement, a religion, and a billion-dollar billboard. And in the latest power play off the field, sportswear brand Playr has clean-bowled the merchandise game by partnering with not one, but three IPL giants—Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad—for the 2025 season.
Announced from Mumbai this April, the move marks a stylish innings for Playr as it becomes the official merchandise partner for these fan-favourite franchises. The brand, powered by Icorets Private Limited, now manages production, marketing and sales of the teams’ official threads—both online and offline.
The result? A merchandise frenzy that’s already racked up over 30,000 units in off-take just weeks into launch. And if early traction is anything to go by, Playr is not just riding the wave—it’s building the surfboard.
“This is a momentous milestone for Playr,” said Playr founder and Icorets director Ravi Kukreja. “Partnering with three of the heavy-lifters CSK, GT and SRH will help us build advanced added values further delivering the fans experience.”
From yellow army diehards in Chennai to the orange brigade in Hyderabad and the blue-and-gold crowd in Gujarat, the goal is clear: make premium fanwear accessible across every pin code—and beyond. With an omni-channel strategy stretching from top-tier retail outlets to lightning-fast Q-commerce platforms, Playr is swinging for maximum retail impact.
And for those shopping from the sofa, official gear is available globally via their website: https://Playr.in.
So, next time you see a CSK jersey at your local grocery store or a GT cap on a flight to Dubai, don’t be surprised. That’s Playr’s grand plan in motion—turning cricket into couture, one delivery at a time.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
