Sports
KKR names Disha Eye Hospitals official vision partner
Three-time IPL champions partner with Kolkata-based chain for 2026 season.
MUMBAI: KKR just found the perfect partner to keep their vision sharp because when you’re chasing another IPL title, even the eyes need a champion behind them. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), three-time IPL winners, have announced Disha Eye Hospitals as their official vision partner for the 2026 Indian Premier League season. The collaboration unites the cricket franchise with one of East India’s leading ophthalmology chains, which operates 20 branches and has been delivering affordable, world-class eye care since 1997.
Headquartered in Kolkata, Disha Eye Hospitals aligns with KKR’s fan-first ethos and community commitment, aiming to make genuine eye health accessible across the City of Joy and beyond. The partnership reflects shared values of excellence, accessibility and relentless pursuit on the pitch and in patient care.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore said, “This partnership strengthens our commitment to Kolkata’s community through a collaboration rooted in shared values of excellence and accessibility. Our association with Disha Eye Hospitals will enable us to deliver meaningful impact for fans on and off the field.”
Disha Eye Hospitals chairman and managing director Debasish Bhattacharya added, “When we founded Disha Eye Hospitals in 1997, our vision was simple yet profound: to ensure that world-class, affordable eye care is a fundamental right for everyone. Partnering with a champion team like KKR feels like a natural extension of that ethos. KKR represents the passion of Bengal, and Disha represents its care.”
The announcement comes ahead of the 2026 IPL season, where KKR will once again look to defend their legacy while extending their community reach through eye health initiatives. In a tournament where every boundary counts, this partnership proves that clear vision isn’t just for batsmen, it’s for Bengal too.
Sports
After Virat Kohli’s exit, One8 Commune Bengaluru shuts down
Outlet near Chinnaswamy closes amid rent row, compliance issues mount
BENGALURU: The One8 Commune outlet near M. Chinnaswamy Stadium has shut down following a court order, bringing a turbulent chapter for the high-profile dining destination to a close.
The immediate trigger was a legal dispute over unpaid dues. The outlet, operated by Trio Hills Hospitality, had reportedly defaulted on rent payments for nearly six months. Including maintenance charges and revenue share commitments, the outstanding amount is said to have crossed Rs 2 crore. A Bengaluru civil court subsequently directed the closure of the premises until all financial obligations are cleared.
The shutdown comes months after Virat Kohli, whose brand name lent the outlet its identity, had already distanced himself from the Bengaluru franchise. According to reports, concerns around repeated compliance-related issues prompted his team to withdraw the association. The removal of the One8 branding is believed to have impacted footfall, further straining the business.
The outlet had also faced regulatory scrutiny over the years. In 2024, authorities booked the establishment for operating beyond the 1:00 am curfew. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike had issued notices over missing fire safety clearances, while an FIR was filed for violating tobacco regulations by not providing a designated smoking zone under applicable laws.
In response to the closure, the brand maintained that the issue stemmed from building-level compliance responsibilities linked to the property owner rather than operational lapses on its part. It also denied that financial default was the primary reason, reiterating that customer safety remained a priority.
For now, the shutters remain down. While a reopening is theoretically possible if disputes are resolved, the absence of Kohli’s brand association makes a return under the One8 banner increasingly unlikely.
