This week in cricket’s commercial universe, the action spans from rising stars to eternal icons, and from grassroots fields to World Cup stadiums. JioStar’s blockbuster sponsor lineup for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 — featuring the likes of Google and IGI — underscores the surging global interest in the women’s game. At the same time, Switch Energy powers up youth cricket in South Africa’s Schools SA20, and Kookaburra continues its legacy commitment in Queensland. On the endorsement front, Red Bull adds Jemimah Rodrigues to its high-octane athlete family, while Kapil Dev signs on with Shubhashish Homes, blending legacy with trust in India’s booming real estate sector. It’s a week that proves cricket isn’t just expanding — it’s evolving, inspiring, and unlocking bold new brand stories across every level.
NATIONAL BOARDS: Big Brands Back Women’s Cricket as ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Attracts Star-Studded Sponsor Line-Up
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is shaping up not just as a sporting spectacle but also as a commercial milestone for women’s cricket. With the tournament set to run from September 30 to November 2 across India and Sri Lanka, broadcaster JioStar has unveiled a high-profile sponsorship slate headlined by Google’s full brand ecosystem, major Indian corporates, and global luxury players. The strength and diversity of this lineup highlights how women’s cricket is becoming a preferred platform for meaningful, mass-market brand engagement — especially with women and next-gen digital consumers.
JioStar unveils major sponsor roster for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
Google brands, HUL, SBI and IGI lead charge to support women’s cricket
JioStar, the official broadcaster and streaming partner for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, has announced a blockbuster list of sponsors across tech, FMCG, banking, and luxury categories. Backers include Google Gemini, Google Pay, Google Android, Google Pixel (W/O 10), Hindustan Unilever’s Rexona, State Bank of India, and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) — with more partners still to be revealed.
The mix represents a powerful convergence of legacy advertisers and future-facing platforms looking to connect with a growing fanbase around women’s sport.
“We are thrilled to welcome this incredible mix of sponsors for JioStar’s coverage,” said Anup Govindan, Chief Revenue Officer – Sports, JioStar. “Each sponsor brings unique strengths and a shared vision to elevate women’s cricket on a global stage… this edition of the World Cup will not only inspire millions of fans but also create impactful opportunities for brands to connect with high-intent audiences across platforms.”
IGI’s sponsorship, in particular, leans into a strong emotional and thematic connection with the athletes and the audience:
“IGI proudly supports the Women’s World Cup: a celebration of grit, brilliance, and authenticity,” said Tehmasp Printer, Global CEO, IGI. “Just as every diamond undergoes a journey of pressure and precision to shine at its brightest, so do the exceptional women cricketers who represent their nations on the world stage.”
He added that IGI’s mission is to help women “enjoy the experience of buying diamonds and fine jewelry without worrying about authenticity,” reinforcing the brand’s broader play to engage female consumers on both practical and inspirational levels.
The tournament will be available live on the Star Sports network, with exclusive digital streaming on JioHotstar, giving sponsors cross-platform reach across India and beyond — and helping accelerate the rise of women’s cricket as a global commercial force.
ENDORSEMENTS: Icons and Energy — Kapil Dev and Jemimah Rodrigues Lead Cricket’s Off-Field Brand Charge
This week in player endorsements, the spectrum stretched from legendary icons to rising stars—showcasing the enduring brand power of cricket in India. Kapil Dev, India’s original World Cup hero, has been named the brand face for a fast-growing real estate company, while Red Bull has added Jemimah Rodrigues to its global roster of elite athletes, reinforcing its long-term play in women’s sport. Both partnerships speak to how authenticity, legacy, and aspiration continue to define high-impact athlete-brand alliances.
Jemimah Rodrigues joins Red Bull as brand ambassador
Youth icon adds energy to Red Bull’s elite global athlete roster
India women’s cricket star Jemimah Rodrigues has signed a new endorsement deal with Red Bull, becoming the latest face in the brand’s elite international athlete lineup. Known for her vibrant personality and aggressive batting style, Rodrigues is a natural fit for Red Bull’s ethos of “energy, passion, performance, and fearless uniqueness.”
The partnership will see Rodrigues featured across campaigns, events, content collaborations, and youth development programs, as Red Bull deepens its investment in Indian sports and women’s cricket.
“With Jemimah on board, the brand hopes to inspire the next generation of cricketers and fans, particularly young women eager to make an impact in sports,” said Red Bull, highlighting the strategic importance of the association.
Rodrigues joins a select group of Indian athletes who have worked with Red Bull, including Smriti Mandhana, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Riyan Parag, reinforcing her rising stature in the sporting and commercial landscape.
Kapil Dev named brand ambassador for Shubhashish Homes
Real estate brand aligns with national icon for trust and expansion drive
Jaipur-based developer Shubhashish Homes has brought on board cricket legend Kapil Dev as its brand ambassador, positioning the partnership as a symbol of shared values like integrity, excellence, and national pride.
“Kapil Dev is not only a cricketing legend but also a symbol of honesty, determination, and excellence. His values deeply resonate with our principles,” said J.K. Jajoo, Chairman of Shubhashish Homes.
Mohit Jajoo, CEO, added, “With our expansion into Indore, Prayagraj, and the premium Grade A+ office segment, we are prepared to set new benchmarks in real estate.”
The endorsement is timed with the company’s next phase of growth and innovation—highlighting a customer-first approach, cashless operations, and green building practices. With Kapil Dev’s legacy lending credibility and recognition, Shubhashish Homes aims to elevate its national visibility as it scales across India.
FRANCHISE LEAGUES: Youth Pathways, Legacy Brands, and Digital Playmakers Power New Sponsorships in SA20, Queensland, and Canada
Cricket’s commercial footprint continues to widen beyond the marquee leagues, with emerging and second-tier franchises drawing in brands eager to align with youth development, grassroots talent, and tech-savvy fan engagement. This week saw a trio of impactful sponsorships: a major youth-focused partnership in South Africa’s Schools SA20, a long-term brand renewal in Queensland, and a digital-first team deal in Canada’s growing cricket ecosystem. Each reflects a different dimension of cricket’s evolving value proposition across continents.
Switch Energy Drink becomes Title Partner of Schools SA20
Powering the pipeline of South African T20 talent
Switch Energy Drink has been unveiled as the title partner of Schools SA20, South Africa’s leading T20 schools tournament, which returns this week for Volume 2. The deal builds on Switch’s broader three-year agreement as the Official Energy Drink of the SA20 senior league and reaffirms the brand’s commitment to grassroots cricket.
“The inaugural season of Schools SA20 was a resounding success and we are incredibly proud to welcome Switch Energy Drink as the title partner for Volume 2,” said SA20 League Commissioner Graeme Smith, who underscored the tournament’s value as a “brilliant opportunity to unearth future stars.”
More than 630 boys’ and girls’ schools are set to compete in this edition, with Switch leveraging its brand presence across youth-focused platforms and live streaming coverage via the SuperSport Schools app and DStv.
“Switch is proud to extend our partnership with the SA20 family,” added Christian Wentzel, CEO of Switch Energy Drink. “We believe in uplifting the youth and there is no better way to do this than by backing young talent who will one day light up stadiums in South Africa and around the world.”
The competition has already proven to be a launching pad for future stars, with Volume 1 standout Karabo Meso heading to the Women’s World Cup in India, and male players Bayanda Majola and JJ Basson earning SA20 contracts.
Kookaburra renews with Queensland Cricket for 2025–26 season
Legacy partnership extended across elite and grassroots cricket
Australian equipment giant Kookaburra has renewed its long-standing sponsorship with Queensland Cricket (QC), extending its role as Official Partner of QC, the Brisbane Heat, and Premier Grade competitions for the 2025–26 season.
As part of the deal, Kookaburra remains the exclusive ball provider across QC’s competitions, from elite men’s and women’s fixtures to the QC Talent Pathway and grassroots leagues. The renewal reinforces a partnership that dates back nearly 25 years.
“Kookaburra is synonymous with cricket and we are delighted to again renew our partnership that provides benefits throughout the State,” said Pete Lock, QC’s GM – Commercial, Marketing & Corporate Affairs. “The surety provided by partnering with such a respected brand, as well as the cost benefits to clubs and affiliates, represents a highly significant partnership for us.”
David Orchard, GM – GTM at Kookaburra, added: “This renewed agreement with Queensland Cricket is built on a foundation of trust and shared values. Our focus is not just on providing world-class products, but on helping nurture and grow the game from the grassroots to the elite level.”
The Kookaburra One Day Cup is currently underway in Queensland’s Premier Cricket system, while the 2025–26 Sheffield Shield kicks off this weekend using Kookaburra’s iconic red ball.
Super Cricket backs Brampton Blitz for Canada’s Super60 tournament
Fan-first fantasy app powers new franchise partnership in North America
Super Cricket, the free-to-play fantasy prediction platform, has signed on as an official sponsor of Brampton Blitz ahead of the inaugural Super60 Canada Cricket Tournament this October.
The partnership aligns Super Cricket with one of Canada’s most passionate cricket communities, Brampton, and leverages the app’s model of real-time predictions, social gaming, and rewards to activate fan engagement.
“We’re thrilled to stand behind Brampton Blitz at Super60,” said Gavin Ryder, spokesperson for Super Cricket. “Our app is built for fans who want to test their cricket knowledge, compete with friends, and feel closer to the action.”
Andre Wagener, CEO of Brampton Blitz, called the deal more than just a logo placement: “Super Cricket’s sponsorship goes beyond logos on jerseys. It’s about building a culture where fans feel they’re part of the game, not just watching it.”
The partnership will include Blitz-themed contests, exclusive in-app campaigns, and fan leaderboard competitions—all while reinforcing Super Cricket’s commitment to responsible, community-focused digital play.
