This week in global cricket sponsorships, bold first-time partnerships, elevated fan experiences, and rising star power took center stage. The Perth Scorchers and Westside Auto announced a debut sports sponsorship that celebrates Western Australian pride, while the Adelaide Strikers teamed up with Simba Car Hire to enhance accessibility and brand alignment across the BBL. In South Africa, Titans Cricket welcomed both M&G Stationery and Kwathlano Shuttles to bolster operational excellence and match-day comfort. SA20 continued its commercial momentum with the arrival of insurance disruptor King Price, adding flair and humour to its fan engagement toolkit. Meanwhile, New Zealand Cricket struck a forward-looking alliance with Virtual Eye to co-develop performance and broadcast innovation. And on the endorsements front, Shubman Gill’s growing brand empire added premium fashion label Tasva, while M.S. Dhoni brought his trusted presence to a national wellness campaign encouraging better sleep and holistic living.
Big Bash League: Local Drive, National Vision — Scorchers and Strikers Align with Homegrown Automotive Powerhouses
As the Big Bash League builds momentum ahead of the 2025–26 season, two clubs have unveiled major new partnerships that celebrate local pride and community-first values. The Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers each announced multi-season sponsorships with regional automotive brands stepping into national spotlights. Both partnerships are built on shared values of authenticity, inclusivity, and ambition — and both mark significant milestones for the sponsor brands.
Perth Scorchers and Westside Auto unite in iconic Western Australian partnership
A first-ever sponsorship signals bold intent and shared WA pride
The Perth Scorchers have announced Westside Auto as the Club’s newest major partner ahead of the WBBL|11 and BBL|15 seasons, marking the first-ever sponsorship of any kind for the Perth-based auto dealership.
The partnership brings together two proudly Western Australian institutions, with Westside Auto’s logo to feature prominently on the back of Scorchers’ playing shirts and players’ media polos throughout the coming campaigns.
“We’re delighted to welcome Westside Auto as a major partner of Perth Scorchers,” said WA Cricket CEO John Stephenson.
“Westside Auto is a proudly local success story that’s grown from humble beginnings into one of the country’s leading dealerships. Their commitment to delivering an honest and hassle-free experience mirrors the Scorchers’ own values — and we’re excited to help amplify their story through the energy of our Big Bash audience.”
Stephenson added, “As Westside Auto embarks on this exciting new chapter, we’re proud they’ve chosen the Scorchers as the team to represent their brand. Together, we look forward to creating memorable experiences for our fans and building a long-term relationship that celebrates the best of WA.”
Recognised as Australia’s number one dealership by sales, Westside Auto sells more than 1,000 vehicles a month and sees the Scorchers deal as a strategic move to extend their reach while staying rooted in community.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Perth Scorchers — an organisation that, like Westside Auto, represents the best of Western Australia through passion, teamwork, and success,” said CJ Jayasinghe, CEO of Westside Auto.
“Both our brands have grown from local roots to national recognition by staying true to our people and community.”
Jayasinghe emphasized, “Whether it’s on the field or in the showroom, we share the same drive to deliver excellence and create memorable experiences for our supporters and customers alike. We’re proud to partner with the Scorchers this season and look forward to standing behind a team that inspires so many West Australians.”
Adelaide Strikers and Simba Car Hire launch major partnership
Two South Australian success stories join forces with a people-first vision
The Adelaide Strikers have secured Simba Car Hire as a major partner of both their Men’s and Women’s teams for the 2025–26 and 2026–27 seasons, in a partnership that aligns an emerging national brand with one of the BBL’s most recognisable franchises.
As the official car hire partner of the Strikers, Simba will provide transportation solutions for players and staff, and will feature branding on the sleeve of the Men’s BBL playing tops. The collaboration will extend across co-branded campaigns, fan promotions, and match-day activations at Karen Rolton Oval and Adelaide Oval.
“At Simba Car Hire, we believe in more than just providing vehicles. We believe in connecting people, places, and purpose,” said Kyrene O’Neill, Operations Manager at Simba Car Hire.
“Teaming up with the Adelaide Strikers allows us to connect with our community in an entirely new way, proudly showing that South Australian businesses can achieve great things together and take on the rest of Australia.”
O’Neill continued, “This partnership isn’t just a sponsorship, it’s a celebration of shared values such as loyalty, passion, and community. At Simba Car Hire, we’re driving change in the car rental industry by putting people first, and teaming up with the Adelaide Strikers helps us share that mission with the state we call home.”
Simba Car Hire, originally founded in South Australia, is currently scaling across Australia, and sees this partnership as a key national branding move built on mutual values and visibility.
“This new partnership between Simba Car Hire and our Men’s and Women’s Strikers teams unlocks exciting opportunities for both proudly South Australian organisations,” said Charlie Hodgson, CEO of the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA).
“We share a passion for creating the best possible customer experiences and connecting communities through sport. We look forward with working with Simba to bring these values to life.”
The partnership will launch during the Strikers’ WBBL home season opener in November, with fans set to enjoy exclusive promotions, branded experiences, and community activations throughout the summer.
Other domestic: Titans and SA20 Continue Commercial Momentum with Targeted, Values-Driven Partnerships
As cricket clubs across South Africa gear up for another busy season, Titans Cricket and the Betway SA20 league are expanding their sponsorship portfolios with meaningful, mission-aligned brands. From stationery to shuttles and insurance, these new deals go beyond conventional logo placement — offering real operational value, fan-focused improvements, and dynamic, uniquely South African brand storytelling.
King Price joins Betway SA20 as Insurance Partner
A disruptor enters the cricket arena with swagger, humour, and heart
King Price Insurance has been announced as the Proud Insurance Partner of Betway SA20, bringing its fun-loving, innovative approach to the world of professional cricket for the very first time.
The partnership will highlight and celebrate match officials through creative activations and strategies that reflect King Price’s unique brand personality. Known as a bold challenger in the insurance space, the brand sees SA20 as a perfect canvas for its #UnapologeticallySouthAfrican ethos.
“We are delighted to welcome King Price to the Betway SA20 family,” said Graeme Smith, SA20 League Commissioner.
“They are an energetic, dynamic, and proudly South African business which has been hugely successful in transforming the insurance industry. Their unique and disruptive approach to make insurance great again positions them as a perfect partner for the League. As we continue to innovate both on and off the field, we look forward to working together to further enhance the Betway SA20 match day experience.”
For King Price, the partnership is about shared culture, not just commercial exposure.
“We wanted to partner with Betway SA20 because it’s not just cricket — it’s South Africa in technicolour,” said De Wet van Deventer, Head of Marketing at King Price Insurance.
“It’s laughter, unity and pride; a place where skill meets swagger, and where the boundary between sport and entertainment blurs. It’s that uniquely Mzansi energy that reminds us of our shared heartbeat — and that’s exactly where we belong.”
He added, “We’re an #UnapologeticallySouthAfrican brand built on people, not policies. It’s not the ball or the runs that really matter — it’s the moments we share, the laughter, the pride, and the sense of togetherness that cricket brings to every corner of our country.”
The partnership also adds to SA20’s momentum, joining a roster that already includes rain, Switch Energy Drink, and Absa as the League readies for Season 4, starting 26 December with MI Cape Town vs Durban’s Super Giants at Newlands.
Titans Cricket and M&G Stationery sign official partnership for 2025/26
A smart and stylish off-field alliance focused on operational excellence
Titans Cricket has welcomed M&G Stationery as an official partner for the 2025/26 season, with the deal aimed at supporting smooth and professional operations at SuperSport Park.
As part of the agreement, M&G will supply the Sky Blues with all their office stationery needs — aligning the Titans’ off-field functionality with a brand known for efficiency, style, and creativity.
“Delighted to partner with Titans Cricket, an organisation that represents professionalism, performance, and a winning culture,” said Francois Mouton, Sales Director at M&G Stationery.
“At M&G Stationery, we believe that stylish and dependable stationery inspires efficiency and creativity, and we are proud to support the Titans team throughout the season.”
Titans Cricket sees the deal as more than a supply arrangement — it’s a values match.
“Welcoming M&G Stationery into the Titans family ensures our day-to-day operations run seamlessly,” said Pierre Joubert, Titans Cricket Commercial Manager.
“This partnership goes beyond stationery, but it’s about aligning with brands that share our commitment to excellence.”
The partnership supports the Titans’ ongoing focus on operational quality and the organisation’s HEAR values: Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect.
SuperSport Park and Kwathlano Shuttles launch match-day transport partnership
Comfort, safety, and convenience headline a new fan-first initiative
SuperSport Park has announced a new match-day partnership with Kwathlano Shuttles, one of South Africa’s leading luxury transport providers, ahead of the upcoming cricket season.
The deal will see Kwathlano offer dedicated shuttle services on match days, enhancing travel experiences for supporters, suite owners, and guests. With branding at the main gate and vehicles stationed prominently, fans will enjoy reliable and smooth transport to and from the stadium.
“We are delighted to welcome Kwathlano Shuttles to the Titans family,” said Pierre Joubert, Titans Cricket Commercial Manager.
“Match days at SuperSport Park are about more than cricket – they’re about creating memorable experiences. With Kwathlano on board, we are confident that our supporters and partners will enjoy safe, reliable, and comfortable travel to and from the stadium.”
Founded in 1997, Kwathlano Shuttles is known for its premium service and safety, making them a natural fit as SuperSport Park seeks to elevate match-day logistics while aligning with brands that reflect their values.
National Boards: NZC Taps Into Homegrown Tech Power to Fuel Cricket’s Data-Driven Future
This week, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) made a bold move to cement its place at the cutting edge of global cricket innovation by announcing a strategic partnership with Virtual Eye, the world-leading 3D graphics and sports data company based in Dunedin. The deal isn’t about kit sponsorships or logo placements — it’s a collaboration rooted in performance analytics, broadcast innovation, and immersive fan engagement.
NZC partners with Virtual Eye as official Innovation Partner
A tech-first collaboration to transform performance and storytelling in cricket
New Zealand Cricket has appointed Virtual Eye, the sports division of Animation Research Ltd, as its official “Innovation Partner”, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding. The partnership brings together NZC’s high-performance programmes and Virtual Eye’s global leadership in data visualisation to explore new frontiers in cricket analytics and broadcast storytelling.
“Working directly with NZC gives us the chance to co-develop tools that not only enhance the performance of New Zealand’s players but also inspire, entertain and educate fans at home and abroad,” said Sir Ian Taylor, founder of Virtual Eye.
“We’re excited to see what we can achieve together.”
Virtual Eye, a four-time Emmy Award winner and recent recipient of the prestigious SMPTE Progress Medal (past honourees include Walt Disney and Ray Dolby), has long been a global force in sports broadcasting across golf (PGA Tour), baseball (MLB), sailing (America’s Cup), and cricket.
NZC sees this alliance as an opportunity to push the boundaries of sports technology — from biomechanics and conditioning tools to advanced fan-facing visualisations.
“Virtual Eye has consistently set the global benchmark in sports technology and broadcast innovation, with world-leading assets in golf, baseball, sailing and cricket,” said Scott Weenink, NZC Chief Executive.
“This partnership is a genuine collaboration intended to push the boundaries in performance analytics, storytelling, and fan engagement.”
Weenink positioned the deal as part of a broader digital strategy, following the successful launch of NZC’s “Cricket Central” community app and its ongoing relationship with CricViz as the official Performance Analysis and Scoring Partner.
“We’re small, but we’re also agile and flexible – and remaining at the forefront of cricket’s data-driven future is crucial to our success, on and off the field,” Weenink said.
“This partnership with Virtual Eye further emphasises NZC’s commitment to innovation and relevance in a quickly changing world.”
Endorsements: Gill’s Brand Crown Expands, Dhoni’s Wellness Role Grows in New Campaigns
This week in athlete endorsements, India’s newly appointed Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill continued his rise as a brand juggernaut, adding yet another premium label to his already star-studded portfolio. Meanwhile, M.S. Dhoni, one of India’s most trusted brand ambassadors, aligned with Arth by Emcure to spotlight a critical but often overlooked pillar of well-being: sleep. Together, the two campaigns reveal the range of influence India’s cricket icons continue to wield — from fashion and finance to wellness and lifestyle.
Shubman Gill named brand ambassador for Tasva, adds to growing portfolio
India’s new captain is commanding both crease and commercial space
Fresh off being appointed India’s Test and ODI captain, Shubman Gill has signed on as the face of Tasva, Aditya Birla’s premium men’s fashion brand. The campaign marks the latest in a surge of endorsements that reflect Gill’s soaring popularity and influence, particularly among Gen Z and millennial audiences.
His elevation in leadership has already led to a 25–30% increase in his endorsement fees, according to industry reports, and Tasva’s announcement is the latest in a line of over 20 brands Gill now represents — from sportswear to financial services to personal grooming.
Gill’s full endorsement list includes:
Casio India, Bajaj Allianz Life, TATA Capital, beat XP, ITC Engage, Fiama Men, Wings, MuscleBlaze, My11Circle, The Sleep Company, CEAT, Gillette, TVS, Nike, JBL, Beats, Capri Loans, Coca-Cola, MRF, and now Tasva.
Gill is known for seamlessly blending style, relatability, and ambition — traits that brands believe mirror the aspirations of the modern Indian consumer.
“He’s stylish but relatable, confident yet humble,” the article notes.
“Brands see him as an epitome of focus, ambition, and the lifestyle of the modern Indian youth.”
With a net worth reportedly between $4–6 million, Gill is steadily building a commercial presence that rivals the biggest names in Indian cricket — past and present. His combination of on-field excellence and off-field marketability positions him as a genuine all-format, all-market star.
M.S. Dhoni leads “So Jao” wellness campaign with Arth by Emcure
India’s cricket legend puts sleep in the spotlight
M.S. Dhoni has teamed up with Arth by Emcure, the wellness division of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, to front the brand’s new “So Jao” campaign — a nationwide initiative promoting better sleep and holistic well-being.
The campaign draws on digital storytelling, social content, and a strong emotional message around rest as self-care, aiming to address India’s growing sleep deficit and its impact on productivity and mental health.
“Wellness begins with balance, and sleep plays a central role in that journey,” said Namita Thapar, Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals.
“Through ‘So Jao’, we want to remind people that rest is an act of self-care. Having M.S. Dhoni as the face of this thought brings authenticity and calm to the message. We hope that by offering well-designed nutraceuticals, we can help people enjoy better sleep while supporting their overall well-being.”
The campaign highlights Arth’s Sleep Support range, including supplements and gummies crafted to help individuals build healthier sleep habits.
With Dhoni’s signature composure and trust factor, the brand is aiming to create a broader cultural shift around the role of rest in wellness.
“We’re an #UnapologeticallySouthAfrican brand built on people, not policies,” said De Wet van Deventer, Head of Marketing at King Price Insurance, from a related campaign context.
“It’s not the ball or the runs that really matter — it’s the moments we share, the laughter, the pride, and the sense of togetherness that cricket brings to every corner of our country.”
The partnership also adds a new dimension to Dhoni’s extensive endorsement portfolio, which already includes Asian Footwears, House of Biryani, ACKO, Gulf Oil, Mastercard, Swaraj Tractors, Zed Black Agarbatti, and Dettol.
The message is clear: even India’s most stoic competitor knows when to switch off — and “So Jao” is urging the country to do the same.
