Sports
Sony Sports bowls out Rising Stars in four languages
Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 airs 13 to 22 February.
MUMBAI: The future of Asian cricket is about to take guard, and it is coming with fresh flair, fearless strokes and a four-language commentary box. Sony Sports Network, part of Sony Pictures Networks India, is set to broadcast the Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 from 13 to 22 February, putting the spotlight firmly on the next generation of women’s cricket in the region.
For the first time, Indian viewers will be able to follow the tournament in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. The multi-language feeds will be available for all matches scheduled on 13 February, 15 February, 17 February, as well as the semi-finals and the final, widening the net for fans across the country.
One fixture already circled in red is the India vs Pakistan clash on 15 February, a rivalry that rarely needs introduction. Even in a Rising Stars format, that contest promises intensity well beyond its age bracket.
Leading the Indian charge will be Radha Yadav, captaining India A and bringing with her the calm authority of a seasoned campaigner. A consistent performer in the Women’s Premier League, Yadav’s all-round credentials and leadership experience will anchor a youthful side eager to make its mark.
The squad also includes debutant Anushka Sharma, a batting all-rounder who has impressed in domestic cricket and recent WPL outings, earning her maiden national call-up. Strengthening the middle order is Humairaa Kaazi, known for her match awareness and ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
Vrinda Dinesh adds solidity to the batting unit, her domestic performances reflecting technique and temperament in equal measure. Minnu Mani, another all-rounder on the rise, arrives with a growing reputation in the T20 format, valued for her ability to influence the game across disciplines.
Beyond India, the tournament will feature Esha Oza leading the UAE, Anushka Sanjeewani at the helm of Sri Lanka A, Fahima Khatun captaining Bangladesh A, Natthakan Chantham representing Thailand and Rubina Chettri carrying Nepal’s hopes. The line-up underscores the tournament’s broader ambition: to give emerging talent from across Asia a stage big enough to match their dreams.
The Women’s Asia Cup Rising Stars 2026 will be broadcast live and exclusive across Sony Sports Network channels and streamed on Sony Liv, ensuring that from 13 to 22 February, the continent’s brightest prospects are just a click or a remote away.
For fans, it is not merely another tournament. It is a glimpse of tomorrow’s headlines, written today.
Sports
JK Lakshmi Cement named principal sponsor of Rajasthan Royals
Cement maker’s logo to feature on team jersey for the 2026 T20 season.
MUMBAI: When cricket meets concrete, the partnership is built to last. JK Lakshmi Cement Limited has signed on as the principal sponsor of Rajasthan Royals for the 2026 T20 season, marking a renewed collaboration between two organisations that share deep roots in Rajasthan. Under the agreement, the JK Lakshmi Cement logo will appear prominently on the back of the Rajasthan Royals’ match jersey throughout the season. The brand will also feature across team gear, in stadium signage and digital match day content, giving it strong visibility during one of India’s most watched sporting tournaments.
For JK Lakshmi Cement, the partnership reflects a long standing association with the state. The company has maintained a significant presence in Rajasthan for decades through its manufacturing facilities, distribution network and relationships with contractors, dealers and local communities.
JK Lakshmi Cement, deputy managing director Shrivats Singhania, at said the collaboration celebrates the shared heritage of both organisations. “Rajasthan has always been integral to our journey, shaping our identity and growth from our factories and logistics to the people and businesses that inspire us every day. This partnership with Rajasthan Royals deepens that connection, celebrating the shared values of entrepreneurship, performance and enduring commitment,” he said.
He added that the national reach of the T20 league offers an opportunity to showcase Rajasthan’s spirit on a larger stage.
Cricket continues to be one of India’s most powerful cultural connectors, drawing fans across regions and generations. JK Lakshmi Cement sees the association as a way to strengthen engagement with stakeholders ranging from homeowners and contractors to engineers, masons and dealers.
JK Lakshmi Cement president and director Arun Shukla noted that the journey of the brand and the team share striking similarities. “The journey of Rajasthan Royals is similar to ours strong roots in Rajasthan and a growing presence across the country. This partnership is also about honouring the people who work hard every day to build India, irrespective of the state they reside in,” he said.
He added that the association will help bring the brand closer to audiences, from individual homes in smaller towns to large infrastructure projects in major cities, while connecting them to the energy of the T20 season.
From the team’s perspective, the partnership strengthens its ties with homegrown brands.
Rajasthan Royals chief operating officer Alok Chitre said the team was pleased to welcome JK Lakshmi Cement as its principal sponsor. “We are happy to have JK Lakshmi Cement as our principal sponsor for the Rajasthan Royals 2026 season. It means a lot that a brand from Rajasthan is on the back of the Royals jersey. JK Lakshmi Cement is a natural partner because it has a strong presence in the state and beyond,” he said.
As India’s infrastructure and construction sectors continue to grow, JK Lakshmi Cement has been focusing on operational strength, innovation and long term expansion. Strategic collaborations such as this allow the brand to connect with wider audiences while reinforcing its presence in markets where it has long operated.
For Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, the deal adds another regional ally to its roster proving that sometimes, the strongest partnerships are the ones built close to home.
