MUMBAI: It is not just the BCCI that is raking it from the split of IPL TV and digital rights between Disney Star and Viacom18. India’s top cricket stars are also being courted by the two networks and doing the “switcharoo”.
A case in point being India captain Rohit Sharma, who has joined hands with JioCinema after his contract with Star Sports ended and will promote the platform during IPL 2023. The Reliance-controlled streamer announced the “Hitman” as its brand ambassador Friday. There is of course also the natural synergy in play seeing as Rohit is captain of the Reliance-owned IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.
“JioCinema is leading the way in transforming how sports is consumed in India across mobile phones and connected TV. The remarkable range of choices it provides fans is truly empowering. I am very pleased to associate with JioCinema and be part of this journey as it enables the shift to the digital platform and offers a higher degree of flexibility, accessibility, interactivity, and personalization to cricket fans,” an official release quotes Rohit as stating.
The release further stated: “Rohit will work closely with the team at JioCinema, collaborating on a shared vision that is focused on making sports viewing synonymous with digital through a series of initiatives. He will take JioCinema’s digital-first proposition for all premium sports properties nationwide expanding the fan base.”
“Rohit Sharma embodies the spirit of sportsmanship, and unmatched leadership, representing the values that fans and players alike hold dear,” said Viacom18 Sports CEO Anil Jayaraj. “Our presentation of sports and the ongoing TATA IPL have a synergy in Rohit’s ability to connect with fans, and this partnership is a natural extension to our quest in leading India on a path that represents an exciting future.”
