Sports
Budweiser 0.0 turns Colombo into cricket party central for India-Pakistan clash
BUD Hotel, legends Jonty Rhodes, Aaron Finch, Dale Steyn and Lotus Tower takeover fuel fan frenzy.
MUMBAI: When India and Pakistan lock horns on the pitch, Budweiser 0.0 decided the real game was off it and turned the whole of Colombo into one giant, non-alcoholic roar. On Sunday evening, as the T20 World Cup delivered one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries, the brand transformed the Sri Lankan capital into an immersive fan playground. At centre stage stood the BUD Hotel, a buzzing hub where supporters, creators and tastemakers collided in a swirl of live entertainment, curated vibes and pure match-day electricity.
True to form, Budweiser rolled out its signature Bud & Burgers ritual, blending food, fandom and culture into high-octane moments that kept the energy crackling. The guest list? Cricket royalty, Jonty Rhodes, Aaron Finch and Dale Steyn dropped in, not as distant icons but as part of the crowd, chatting, cheering and closing the gap between legends and everyday fans.
The brand didn’t stop at hospitality. Budweiser 0.0 flew in supporters and sports lovers from across India for the marquee fixture, giving them ringside seats to the action plus a full immersion in city-wide programming. The takeover reached sky-high when the iconic Lotus Tower lit up in Budweiser colours, a glowing beacon visible across Colombo, signalling that this wasn’t just a match, it was a movement.
Music added extra spice, Singaporean-Tamil rapper Yung Raja, famous for his bilingual “Tanglish” flow, delivered a special mid-innings performance that turned the break into a full-on sonic celebration, bridging the boundary rope and the global stage.
Fans flooded the streets in limited-edition Budweiser 0.0 jerseys, turning the city into a sea of blue pride and shared adrenaline. From immersive hangouts to cultural beats and fan-first touches, the activation amplified everything that makes India vs Pakistan special passion, noise, community without a drop of alcohol in sight.
AB Inbev India, vice president of marketing & trade marketing Vineet Sharma summed up the vibe, “In this T20 World Cup, Budweiser 0.0 is aiming to build a new standard for fan-first cricket experiences… From the BUD Hotel to the Lotus Tower takeover, and with legends Jonty Rhodes, Aaron Finch and Dale Steyn joining the fan-first Bud and Burgers experience, we created an unforgettable expression of passion, celebrations and community.”
While the scoreboard settled the on-field battle, off it Budweiser 0.0 proved that the biggest sixes can sometimes come from throwing the ultimate party, one where every fan feels like they’re in the middle of the action.
Sports
Rapoo India renews Mumbai Indians partnership for IPL 2026
Exclusive MI-themed accessories launch alongside nationwide roadshows.
MUMBAI: Rapoo just hit a six with Mumbai Indians because when your mouse pad matches the team jersey, even your cursor starts cheering. Rapoo India, a leading global brand in wireless peripherals and computer accessories, has extended its partnership as the Official Computer Accessories Partner of Mumbai Indians for the TATA IPL 2026 season. Entering the second year of the collaboration, Rapoo aims to fuse its technology innovation with the passion and energy of one of cricket’s most iconic franchises.
The partnership brings an exclusive range of Mumbai Indians-themed Rapoo accessories to market, including wireless keyboards, mice and mousepads featuring the team’s signature blue and gold design. These products blend Rapoo’s advanced wireless tech and multi-mode connectivity with vibrant team branding, letting fans showcase loyalty while upgrading their digital setup.
The MI-edition range is available through Variety Infotech (pan-India delivery), the official Mumbai Indians MI Shop, leading e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart, Zepto) and major offline retail outlets across India.
To amplify fan engagement during the IPL season, Rapoo will roll out on-ground roadshows and giveaways at prominent electronics hubs, including Lamington Road, Vashi Plaza and Thane Market (Mumbai), CTC (Hyderabad); Mount Road (Chennai), SP Road (Bengaluru), Tilak Road (Pune), Nehru Place (Delhi), Naza Market (Lucknow), Chandni Market (Kolkata), Shaheed Nagar (Bhubaneswar), Roshpa Tower (Ranchi), Silver Mall (Indore), and MP Nagar (Bhopal). These activations let fans experience the MI-themed accessories first-hand.
Rapoo regional director for India & SAARC, MEA Mukesh Kumar Chaudhary said, “We are excited to continue our partnership with Mumbai Indians, a team that represents performance, consistency, and an incredible connection with fans. At Rapoo, we believe technology can enhance everyday experiences, and through this collaboration, we aim to bring fans closer to the game with specially designed accessories that combine innovation, style, and team spirit.”
Founded in 2002, Rapoo operates in over 80 countries and is recognised for advancements in wireless technologies, multi-mode connectivity and user-centric design, backed by over 500 global patents and numerous international awards.
In a season where every boundary counts, Rapoo isn’t just partnering with Mumbai Indians, it’s giving fans the perfect gear to keep clicking, typing and cheering long after the stumps are drawn.
