DUBAI: Expo 2020 Dubai has been announced as the principal sponsor of Indian Premier League franchise Rajasthan Royals.
The one-year deal will see the Expo logo emblazoned on the front of the Royals’ jerseys for the duration of the season, which starts in March and lasts for eight weeks.
Ranjit Barthakur, executive chairman, Rajasthan Royals, said: “We are delighted to announce this landmark deal with Expo 2020 to become principal sponsor of our special franchise. The World Expo is one of the most anticipated and innovative events in history, and it gives me great joy to link up with what will be the biggest event ever in the Arab world.
“The tournament has always provided fans in India with numerous reasons to celebrate, and we are hoping that through this crucial sponsorship, we can encourage them to be a part of the Expo 2020 as well.”
The Royals have assembled a star-studded squad of players ahead of the 13th season of the IPL, which includes England all-rounder Ben Stokes, who won the Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC player of the year after playing starring roles in the side’s maiden 50-over World Cup triumph and one-wicket win in the Leeds Test during the Ashes in 2019.
Stokes is joined by Australian Steve Smith and Jaydev Unadkat as well as a host of young, exciting, up-and-coming talent.
Anthony Ward, vice president of marketing, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “The association with the IPL franchise will help us build awareness in India, our largest international market, as well as in other cricket-loving nations around the world.”
Expo 2020 Dubai, taking place from October 20 this year to April 10, 2021, will be the first World Expo in its 169-year history to be staged in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region (MEASA), and is set to welcome an unprecedented 192 participating countries and 25 million visits from across the globe over a period of 173 days.
