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TAM Sports: IPL advertising shows strong growth as brands bet big on cricket
MUMBAI: The Indian Premier League’s 2025 season has kicked off with a veritable feast for advertisers, showing remarkably robust growth in the tournament’s commercial appeal. The first 31 matches witnessed an 8 per cent jump in advertising volumes compared to the same period last year, according to the latest report from TAM Sports.
The lucrative cricketing carnival has attracted 16 per cent more advertisers than in 2024, with the total count rising from 65+ to 75+. Even more impressive is the 23 per cent surge in brand presence, leaping from 110+ to 140+ brands jostling for eyeballs during the matches.
Gaming platforms have bowled over the competition, with e-commerce gaming emerging as the top category, commanding an 18 per cent share of advertising volumes—nearly double its 9 per cent slice from last year. Food products claimed the second spot with 11 per cent, while mouth fresheners, last year’s champion, slipped to third place with 10 per cent of the advertising pie.
Parle Products continues its dominant innings at the crease, leading the advertiser rankings with an 11 per cent share. Dream11.com’s parent company, Sporta Technologies, came in a close second with 10 per cent, while My11circle muscled its way into third place with 6 per cent of total ad volumes.
The advertising landscape has witnessed notable churn, with 23 new categories entering the fray while an equal number have been clean bowled out of this year’s tournament. Among the 96 debutant brands, Parle Platina Hide & Seek and Rajshree Silver Coated Elaichi emerged as the top newcomers.
Food and beverage brands continue to have a ravenous appetite for cricket eyeballs, accounting for three of the top five advertising categories. Meanwhile, traditional categories like biscuits, properties/real estates, and chocolates have been relegated to the pavilion this season.
The tournament’s broad reach across both national and regional language channels has created distinct advertising patterns. While Amul Butter topped exclusive brands on Hindi and English channels, Reliance Trends claimed the spotlight on regional language broadcasts. Vimal Elaichi showed true all-round form, dominating the list of brands advertising across all language platforms.
With 28 channels broadcasting IPL matches this season—up from 24 last year—advertisers clearly believe the tournament remains cricket’s most lucrative commercial pitch.
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.
