Sports
JioStar Kantar study reveals premium LTV cricket audience
64 per cent find TV brands more trustworthy, 65 per cent spend over Rs 30,000 monthly on credit cards.
MUMBAI: Cricket on linear TV isn’t just a game, it’s a goldmine disguised as a six-hitting spectacle. JioStar and Kantar today released the LTV Cricket Audience Insights study, offering a sharp look at the high-value viewers who tune in for cricket on traditional television. Commissioned ahead of a packed 2026 cricket calendar including the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, TATA IPL 2026, and ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the research highlights why this audience remains a prime target for advertisers.
The standout finding: 64 per cent of LTV cricket viewers strongly agree that brands advertising on the platform feel more trustworthy, creating a powerful “halo effect” that boosts credibility and brand building. Far from being casual fans, these viewers form a “premium-first” demographic with strong discretionary spending power and deep trust in televised ads.
Key numbers paint the picture:
Nearly 65 per cent own televisions larger than 50 inches, signalling a serious investment in premium home viewing.
65 per cent spend more than Rs 30,000 per month on credit cards.
55 per cent own vehicles priced above Rs 12 lakh.
72 per cent spend over Rs 3,000 monthly on e-commerce.
JioStar head of sales for Sports Anup Govindan said, “The insights reinforce that Linear TV remains an influential and trusted medium for brands to connect with high-value audiences. Cricket on TV is more than a sporting event, one that drives significant consumer action and brand credibility.”
Kantar South Asia, MD and chief client & solutions officer Soumya Mohanty added, “Our study proves that the LTV cricket audience is a powerhouse of consumption. For brands looking to move the needle during major tournaments, the combination of high spending capacity and the inherent trust in the LTV environment creates a unique window for high-impact engagement.”
In a media landscape crowded with digital noise, the data shows linear TV cricket still delivers a concentrated, affluent audience ready to spend and trust, the brands that show up during the big matches. For advertisers, it’s less about reaching everyone and more about reaching the right wallets at the right moment.
Sports
CP Plus named title sponsor of Punjab Kings for IPL 2026
New jersey unveiled in Mohali symbolising performance and innovation.
MUMBAI: CP Plus just powered up Punjab Kings because when your sponsor’s name is on the jersey, even the boundaries start feeling more secure. CP Plus has been announced as the title sponsor of Punjab Kings ahead of IPL 2026, with the partnership unveiled through the launch of the team’s new jersey in Mohali on Friday. The collaboration blends the high-energy spirit of cricket with CP Plus’s focus on precision, reliability and technology-driven innovation.
The jersey serves as a visual symbol of the alliance, reflecting shared values of performance, trust and future-readiness. The association aims to leverage the IPL’s massive platform for deeper consumer engagement, brand salience and regional resonance, particularly in cricket-passionate markets like Punjab.
CP Plus managing director Aditya Khemka said, “This marks the beginning of a meaningful journey for CP Plus. The unveiling of the Punjab Kings jersey is symbolic of a deeper alignment, one that is built on shared ambition, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.”
Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon added, “We would like to welcome CP Plus into the Punjab Kings family. It’s our pleasure to be associated with a brand that, like us, values excellence and keeps the consumer at the focus.”
Punjab Kings CCO Saurabh Arora noted, “CP Plus is a brand that people trust and encounter every day, which makes this partnership a seamless integration. Our goal is to build something across the season that delivers genuine consumer impact.”
As Punjab Kings prepare for IPL 2026, the partnership lays the foundation for immersive fan experiences, integrated storytelling and technology-led activations that connect sport, innovation and brand purpose both on and off the field.
In a league where every sponsor wants to stand out, CP Plus isn’t just buying space on a jersey, it’s buying into the heartbeat of a team, proving that when technology meets cricket’s passion, the real winner is the fan who feels the thrill up close.
