Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation (formerly known as L&T Switchgear), a leading player in the Indian Electrical and automation industry and a unit of the Schneider Electric group in India, today announced a strategic partnership with Mumbai Indians, one of the biggest and most valued cricket franchise, as their ‘Principal Partner’.As part of this landmark partnership, the Lauritz Knudsen logo will prominently appear on the front of the Mumbai Indians’ official jersey and training apparel, reaching fans at Wankhede and the team’s 50 million global fan base, starting in the 2025 season.

Deepak Sharma, Zone President, Greater India, MD & CEO of Schneider Electric India, said, “Cricket unites India like no other platform, creating connections that transcend borders and cultures. At Lauritz Knudsen, our solutions have fortified the success of our customers for decades, and as we embark on a new growth trajectory aligned with the nation’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ we remain committed to being a partner of choice for our customers, partners, and stakeholders. This partnership with Mumbai Indians, one of the world’s most successful cricket franchises, perfectly reflects our shared passion for growth, excellence, and performance. We wish the team an exceptional season, confident they will once again elevate the game, setting new benchmarks for class, quality, and innovation in cricket.”

Naresh Kumar, COO of Lauritz Knudsen, added, “At Lauritz Knudsen, our commitment to India is both profound and unwavering. This partnership with Mumbai Indians exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration in driving progress and innovation. As we chart a new course under our reimagined brand identity, we reaffirm our dedication to empowering India’s growth through solutions that inspire aspiration and deliver unmatched reliability. Aligning with Mumbai Indians—a team that epitomizes excellence and an indomitable spirit—enables us to deepen this commitment and engage with millions across the nation in meaningful ways.”

Rajat Abbi, VP – Global Marketing and Chief Marketing Officer of Schneider Electric, Greater India, said, “Mumbai Indians exemplify the passion, focus, and relentless pursuit of excellence that resonate deeply with us at Lauritz Knudsen. With the launch of our new brand identity and our steadfast commitment to driving the nation’s growth, this partnership symbolizes a strong synergy of trust and a shared vision between two iconic brands. In the long term, we see this collaboration as a catalyst—not just amplifying the unifying energy of cricket, but also advancing our mission to empower Bharat and contribute to shaping the New India.”

This partnership signifies a bold step forward, combining Lauritz Knudsen’s cutting-edge expertise with the dynamic energy of one of cricket’s most celebrated teams. Both brands aim to leverage this partnership to engage millions of fans globally, reinforce their market leadership, and set new benchmarks in their respective fields.

A Mumbai Indians spokesperson added, “We are thrilled to welcome Lauritz Knudsen Electrical and Automation as our principal partner—a brand that embodies innovation and performance. This partnership is built on the strong heritage of Lauritz Knudsen and the cricketing legacy that Mumbai Indians have crafted over the years. Together, we aim to build on the shared values that unite us, with our fans always at the heart of everything we do.”

The partnership between Laurits Knudsen and Mumbai Indians is a strategic alliance built on a foundation of shared values and synergies that promise to elevate both brands to new heights. It reflects Lauritz Knudsen’s ongoing commitment to partner with brands thatcomplement its legacy of excellence and deliver on brand values of ‘Listen, Partner and Innovate’.

Betway SA20 and leading global smart logistics and supply chain company, DP World, have announced a new strategic partnership ahead of the anticipated Season 3 starting on 9 January 2025.

This agreement will see DP World associate as the ‘Global Logistics Partner’ of the League, providing smart logistics solutions to support the efficient and successful delivery of South Africa’s premier T20 cricket league.

Partnering with DP World marks a significant milestone for Betway SA20

League Commissioner, Graeme Smith said, “We are committed to aligning with brands which share the same vision for innovation and continuous improvement as the League and their expertise will add significant value to our operations and enhance the overall competition experience.”

This collaboration is an extension of DP World’s distinguished sports partnership portfolio which includes the McLaren Formula One team, the DP World Tour, the Ryder Cup, SAIL GP and the ICC. DP World is also the Title Partner of the DP World Wanderers Stadium, the venue of the Betway SA20 Final taking place on 8 February 2025.

“DP World is transforming the world of sports through our smart logistics solutions to change what’s possible for everyone. The collaboration between DP World and SA20 is a testament to our shared vision of innovation, excellence, and community impact, and is an extension of DP World’s significant focus on cricket partnerships in South Africa and globally,” said Mohammed Akoojee, CEO & MD, sub-Saharan Africa, DP World.

“Our strategic partnership with SA20 is not only an opportunity for DP World to provide and showcase our supply chain expertise but also to connect communities through sport and sport development.”

The logistics giant also touches many young cricketers’ lives through the Beyond Boundaries Initiative, a global commitment to the global growth of cricket and the communities it serves, which will see DP World design and distribute fifty repurposed shipping containers to grassroots cricket clubs around the world, each one kitted out with much needed equipment. In the Initiative’s first year, DP World leveraged its global smart logistics network to deliver 10 containers worldwide and put 2,500 kits into the hands of aspiring cricketers. Through the Beyond Boundaries Initiative and Betway SA20’s own impact programmes, both organisations will work together to continue to develop the game for everyone. Both organisations will be working together to elevate the cricket experience on the field, and to facilitate efficient and sustainable solutions off the field on par with global best practice.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) announced Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) (Culver Max Entertainment Private Limited) has secured the exclusive Media Rights for all ACC tournaments from 2024 to 2031. This landmark deal marks more than a 70% increase from the previous media rights cycle, highlighting the growing global stature and appetite for ACC Asia Cup tournaments.

The deal encompasses all editions of the Men’s and Women’s Asia Cups, Men’s and Women’s
Under-19 Asia Cups, and the Men’s and Women’s Emerging Teams Asia Cups. This partnership
ensures comprehensive and innovative coverage of Asian cricket’s marquee tournaments
across television, digital, and audio platforms.

Shaping the Future of Asian Cricket
The ACC’s vision for cricket in Asia is inclusive and forward-thinking. This significant partnership with SPNI not only secures high-quality coverage for the ACC’s flagship tournaments but also provides the financial resources necessary to drive development programs across all member nations.

With SPNI’s extensive broadcasting expertise and the ACC’s commitment to growing the game, this partnership is poised to set new benchmarks for cricket in Asia and beyond.

Jay Shah, President, ACC, said: “This Media Rights deal is a significant milestone for the Asian Cricket Council and cricket across the region. The Asia Cup continues to be a cornerstone of cricketing excellence, bringing together the best of the region’s talent. With Sony Pictures Networks India as our new media partner, we are confident in their ability to deliver world-class coverage and an immersive viewing experience for fans worldwide.
With Sony’s extensive expertise in the broadcasting industry, we are excited to embark on this
new partnership. Sony’s expertise and innovative approach promise to bring a fresh perspective to the coverage of Asian cricket, reaching new audiences and setting new benchmarks.

The substantial increase in rights value will enable the ACC to channel significant resources into grassroots programs, infrastructure development, and talent pathways, especially for associate nations. This collaboration will drive the continued growth of cricket across Asia and ensure its vibrant future.”

On SPNI taking home the media rights to the ACC tournaments (2024 -2031), SPNI’s MD &
CEO, Gaurav Banerjee, said: “Congratulations to the ACC for conducting a fair and transparent bidding process for the rights to the ACC tournaments! We are delighted to bring these action-packed tournaments, which will also include India and Pakistan matches, to our viewers for the next 8 years. ACC tournaments have created unforgettable moments and set the stage for the most intense Asian Cricket rivalries. We eagerly look forward to sharing the thrill and spirit of these matches with cricket fans.”