Sports
Punjab Kings secure CP Plus as IPL 2026 title sponsor
Global security giant teams up with IPL finalists for tech-driven fan experiences and brand boost.
MUMBAI: In a partnership that’s bound to keep rivals under surveillance, Punjab Kings have locked down CP Plus as their title sponsor for IPL 2026, blending cricket’s edge-of-the-seat thrills with cutting-edge security smarts. Fresh off last season’s nail-biting run to the final, the franchise is gearing up for another high-stakes showdown, now with a tech-savvy ally that’s all about watching your back,literally.
CP Plus, the global powerhouse in video surveillance, biometric access, home automation, and enterprise security, isn’t just slapping its name on jerseys, it’s diving headfirst into a season packed with digital storytelling wizardry, lively on-ground events, and immersive fan perks. Picture stadium screens alive with tech integrations that make every match feel like a blockbuster, turning passive viewers into part of the action. It’s a nod to how Indians crave trust and innovation in everything from their homes to their favourite sport, proving that safety and sixes can go hand in glove.
CP Plus managing director Aditya Khemka couldn’t hide his excitement, “Cricket unites millions, and this tie-up with Punjab Kings feels like a perfect innings. Their fearless vibe mirrors our own discipline, precision, and performing under pressure. We’re set to connect with fans nationwide, showcasing how our tech builds safer, smarter worlds.”
Echoing the buzz, Punjab Kings CEO Satish Menon chimed in, “Thrilled to have CP Plus on board, it’s a shared vision that’ll amp up value for everyone.” Punjab Kings chief commercial officer Saurabh Arora added a dash of flair “CP Plus fits right into daily Indian life, making this a slam-dunk for IPL crowds. Expect a campaign that pulls fans deeper into the Punjab Kings universe.”
Adding firepower to their arsenal, Punjab Kings wrapped up their 25-member squad at the IPL 2026 auction on 16 December, snapping up four fresh talents to bolster their core. With ambition crackling like a live wire, the team is primed for a season of fireworks, where every boundary might just come with a side of surveillance savvy. Who knew cricket could get this securely entertaining?
Sports
Sun TV sues Chennai Super Kings over use of Jailer, Coolie music in IPL promo
Network seeks Rs 1 crore in damages as Madras High Court directs CSK to confirm songs removed from jersey launch video
CHENNAI: A legal battle has erupted even before the first ball of IPL 2026 is bowled. Sun TV Network has moved the Madras High Court accusing Chennai Super Kings of copyright infringement over the alleged use of music, background scores and dialogues from the Rajinikanth films Jailer, Jailer-2 and Coolie in a promotional video for the franchise’s new jersey.
The commercial suit, filed by Sun TV Network Limited against Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited and three of its officials, claims the IPL franchise used copyrighted audio content without obtaining a licence from the rights holder.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy heard preliminary submissions in the matter before adjourning the case to March 16. The court also directed CSK to file an affidavit confirming its statement that the songs in question are no longer being used in the team’s promotional material.
The suit names CSK chief executive and managing director Kasi Viswanathan, head of finance Avinash Sridharan and head of content Radhakrishnan Sreenivasan as defendants alongside the franchise company.
According to Sun TV, CSK released a promotional video on March 1 to unveil its IPL 2026 jersey across social media platforms including Instagram, X, YouTube and Facebook. The video allegedly incorporated audio tracks, background scores and dialogues from Jailer, its upcoming sequel Jailer-2 and Coolie — all Rajinikanth projects produced by Sun Pictures, the film production arm of Sun TV Network.
Jailer, released in 2023, emerged as one of the biggest Tamil box-office hits of the year. Its soundtrack by Anirudh Ravichander, particularly the viral track Hukum, became a staple across social media and stadium events. Sun TV told the court that Anirudh Ravichander had been engaged under agreements that vest all rights in the films’ music with the producer, making Sun TV the exclusive copyright holder authorised to license the music.
The network alleged that the content was used at several points in the video, including scenes depicting the arrival of CSK captain MS Dhoni at the team camp, to amplify the promotional appeal of the campaign. It argued that the video was designed to promote the team’s merchandise, including its IPL 2026 jersey sold online at around Rs 2,399, thereby generating commercial gain from copyrighted material.
Sun TV has sought a permanent injunction restraining CSK from using any songs, dialogues or background scores from its films across platforms including social media, stadium broadcasts and promotional campaigns. It has also demanded Rs 1 crore in damages and asked the court to direct the franchise to disclose revenues generated from the promotional campaign that allegedly used the copyrighted music.
Senior counsel J Ravindran, appearing for Sun TV, told the court that CSK had stopped using the songs after receiving an e-mail objecting to their use. Ravindran nevertheless urged the court to ensure that the franchise does not repeat the alleged infringement.
Senior counsel PS Raman, representing CSK, informed the court that the tracks from Jailer, Jailer-2 and Coolie had already been removed from the promotional video. Raman also assured the court that the franchise would obtain proper licences if it uses such material in the future.
With the IPL season approaching and the dispute now in court, the clash has added an unexpected off-field contest to cricket’s biggest league — one that will be fought not with bats and balls, but with copyrights and court orders.
