This week’s sponsorship activity highlighted the breadth of cricket’s commercial appeal, with brands investing across franchise leagues, national teams, domestic competitions and player endorsements. BYD strengthened its relationship with the Caribbean Premier League, while Intex and Sigenergy expanded their cricket portfolios through partnerships with the Afghanistan and Ireland men’s teams respectively. Elsewhere, Capricorn Group reaffirmed its long-term commitment to women’s cricket in Namibia, Zimbabwe Cricket secured expanded broadcast distribution for India’s 2026 tour, and the inaugural Jharkhand T20 Cricket League landed a major streaming agreement with JioHotstar. The week also showcased the growing intersection of technology and cricket development, with India captain Shreyas Iyer joining AI-powered coaching platform Kabuni as a super coach.
Franchise Leagues: Automotive partnerships drive Caribbean Premier League fan engagement
BYD extended its partnership with the Caribbean Premier League, highlighting the tournament’s value as a platform for automotive brands to engage fans across the Caribbean.
BYD returns as Official Car Partner of CPL
BYD has been named Official Car Partner of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League for the 2026 season.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Caribbean Premier League for a second consecutive year. Cricket remains one of the Caribbean’s greatest passions, and for BYD, this partnership creates a unique opportunity to connect with audiences through a platform that blends innovation, entertainment, energy, and community spirit.”
“As a global leader in electric mobility, BYD is proud to align with one of the region’s most dynamic sporting properties, reinforcing our commitment to smarter and more sustainable transportation while engaging fans across the Caribbean in meaningful ways.”
“This partnership is a natural fit for BYD as a brand built on innovation and forward-thinking mobility, and we are excited about the opportunities this season will bring both on and off the field.”
Stephen Hector, Group Strategic Marketing and Digital Growth Director, ATL Automotive
“We are delighted to welcome BYD back as the Official Car Partner of the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League for the 2026 season. BYD’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and community engagement aligns perfectly with the values of the CPL and our vision for the continued growth of the tournament across the Caribbean.”
“The partnership goes beyond traditional sponsorship, creating exciting opportunities for fans to engage with the brand through unique activations, experiences and initiatives such as the ‘Wrap the Future’ design challenge. We look forward to working closely with BYD and ATL Automotive to deliver a memorable campaign that celebrates both Caribbean cricket and the future of mobility.”
Dr Tara Wilkinson-McLean, Head of Partnerships, Caribbean Premier League
National Boards: Sponsorship and media partnerships expand commercial reach across international cricket
National boards secured a mix of sponsorship and broadcast agreements this week, with brands investing in team visibility, women’s cricket development and international media rights across key cricket markets.
Intex joins Afghanistan Men’s Team as associate sponsor
Intex has become the Official Associate Sponsor of the Afghanistan Men’s Cricket Team for its tour of India.
“Cricket remains one of the most powerful platforms for connecting with consumers across geographies, cultures and generations. Afghanistan’s cricket journey is a remarkable story of passion, resilience, and an unyielding spirit — values that resonate deeply with the ethos of Intex. This association provides us with an exciting opportunity to engage with millions of passionate cricket fans while reinforcing Intex’s commitment to connecting with consumers through meaningful sporting associations.” – Keshav Bansal, Director, Intex Technologies.
“We are very happy to have Intex Technologies as the Official Associate Sponsor of Afghanistan Men’s Cricket Team for our India tour. As Afghanistan cricket continues to grow its presence and connect with fans across the world, partnerships with respected Indian brands such as Intex play an important role in supporting that journey. We would like to thank the team at Intex for this partnership and look forward to a successful and exciting series.” – Sayed Naseem Sadaat, Spokesperson, Afghanistan Cricket Board.
Sigenergy signs multi-year Ireland Men’s Team sponsorship
Sigenergy has become a multi-year sponsor of the Ireland Men’s international cricket team.
“Sigenergy is proud to announce this new partnership, reinforcing the brand’s growing presence across some of the world’s most important renewable energy markets. Cricket holds a major global audience across countries including Australia, India, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Ireland, and many other regions where Sigenergy is already performing strongly and continuing to expand its leadership position.”
“As one of the world’s most followed sports, cricket provides a powerful international platform to connect with consumers, businesses, and communities across fast-growing energy markets. This partnership represents an important strategic step for Sigenergy as the company continues to deliver intelligent renewable energy solutions worldwide and strengthen its position as a leading global brand in clean energy innovation.”
Tony Xu, Chief Executive Officer, Sigenergy
“We are delighted to welcome Sigenergy to the Irish cricket family. The addition of Sigenergy builds naturally on our partnership with Fáilte Solar and reflects Cricket Ireland’s strategy of working with forward-looking partners who are investing to grow cricket in Ireland.”
“Cricket is almost uniquely placed in global sport to deliver true visibility in many of the largest and fastest growing markets in the world – but it’s Sigenergy’s commitment to working with Cricket Ireland to support our international men’s team is what has impressed us most. Our thanks to Abilash and his team for their ongoing support for Irish cricket.”
Sarah Keane, Chief Executive Officer, Cricket Ireland
Capricorn Group renews women’s cricket partnership with Cricket Namibia
Capricorn Group has renewed its partnership with Cricket Namibia, continuing as naming partner of the Namibia women’s team, the Capricorn Eagles, and supporting women’s and girls’ cricket programmes through 2028.
“At Capricorn Group, we believe sport has the power to unlock potential, inspire ambition and create opportunities that extend far beyond the field of play. Our continued partnership with Cricket Namibia is therefore not only an investment in the Capricorn Eagles, but in the broader advancement of women’s and girls’ cricket in Namibia. Since 2021, we have seen the team grow in confidence, visibility and competitiveness, demonstrating what is possible when talent is matched with sustained support. We are proud to continue backing these remarkable athletes and to help build a stronger pathway for the next generation of girls in cricket.” – Marlize Horn, Group Chief Brand and Corporate Affairs Officer, Capricorn Group.
“Capricorn Group’s continued partnership is a strong endorsement of the progress being made in women’s cricket in Namibia and of the potential that still lies ahead. Their sustained support has helped us expand opportunities for girls to enter the game, strengthen our national talent pipeline and raise the profile of women’s cricket on local and international platforms. This renewed commitment gives us greater momentum to keep building a competitive and sustainable future for the sport.” – Johan Muller, Chief Executive Officer, Cricket Namibia.
Zimbabwe Cricket agrees broadcast partnership with FanCode and Zee Entertainment
Zimbabwe Cricket has partnered with FanCode and Zee Entertainment Enterprises to broadcast India’s tour of Zimbabwe in July 2026.
“Welcoming India to Zimbabwe is always a special occasion, and this tour promises to be even bigger with the broadcast reach that ‘Z’ and FanCode bring together.”
“We have been working with FanCode for a while and are delighted to continue that partnership for this marquee series.”
“Having ‘Unite8 Sports’ on board as a TV broadcaster is a testament to the growing appetite for Zimbabwean cricket. We expect packed stadiums and full screens.”
Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Chairman, Zimbabwe Cricket
“This partnership is a natural extension of our commitment to bringing every Indian cricket fan closer to the game. The India Tour of Zimbabwe 2026 will be a high-octane T20 spectacle, and FanCode will bring all the action live to fans, at their convenience.” – Yannick Colaco, Co-Founder, FanCode.
“We are excited to offer some world class cricketing action on our newly launched Unite8 Sports channels. There could not have been a more prestigious offering than India’s tour to Zimbabwe, to introduce Unite8 Sports as a brand to cricket fans around the globe. We will continue to offer rich and engaging sporting action across our platforms and look forward to a long term partnership with Zimbabwe cricket.” – Bavesh Janavlekar, Chief Business Officer, Unite8 Sports, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd.
Endorsements: Technology platforms turn to elite players to drive cricket development
Cricket technology companies continue to leverage high-profile player endorsements, with Kabuni adding one of the game’s leading active cricketers to support its AI-driven coaching and talent development platform.
Shreyas Iyer joins Kabuni as super coach
Kabuni has appointed Shreyas Iyer as a super coach for its AI-powered cricket development platform.
“The depth of talent in Indian cricket is currently unprecedented. What’s missing isn’t ability – it’s access to the kind of feedback that tells you exactly what to work on. The margins between where you are and where you want to be are narrow – and that’s exactly what Kabuni is about. Giving young players the tools to close that gap faster than I could in my early years.” – Shreyas Iyer, India Men’s Cricketer and Kabuni Super Coach.
“Shreyas Iyer represents the modern cricketer – explosive, energetic, and always looking to move the game forward. Just as importantly, his mentality reflects Kabuni’s wider vision: a platform built to develop complete cricketers, blending technical progression with mental strength to help players perform with conviction, intelligence, and self-belief.” – Nimesh Patel, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Kabuni.
Domestic and Franchise: New leagues strengthen visibility through broadcast partnerships
Domestic and franchise competitions continue to prioritise media partnerships, with the Jharkhand T20 Cricket League securing national digital distribution ahead of its inaugural season.
Jharkhand T20 Cricket League secures JioHotstar streaming partnership
JioHotstar has been named the exclusive digital streaming partner of the inaugural Jharkhand T20 Cricket League.
“Jharkhand has been such an integral part of Indian cricket for a long time, and the Jharkhand T20 League will only further strengthen that core and create a pipeline for notable and aspiring cricketers alike.” – Ajay Nath Shah Deo, President, Jharkhand State Cricket Association.
