Leading mobile handset manufacturer Karbonn Mobiles has signed up as the title sponsor of Champions League Twenty20 starting with the fourth edition of this marquee tournament due to be held in South Africa later this year. Karbonn Mobiles signed the deal today with ESPN STAR Sports, the commercial partners of Champions League Twenty20.

As part of this deal, Karbonn Mobiles will have rights to on ground title sponsorship with all its entitlements. The tournament will now be called Karbonn Champions League Twenty20.

Overall, the fourth edition of the Champions League Twenty20 will feature a total of 14 teams and 29 matches across four venues – Centurion, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. The Group Stage will be preceded by a Qualifying Stage from 9 October 2012 to 11 October 2012 featuring six teams. These teams have been equally divided into two pools, with each team playing the other two in its pool once. The top team in each pool, in terms of points, will then qualify for the Group Stage.


Commenting on this partnership, Pradeep Jain, Managing Director, Karbonn Mobiles says, “Karbonn Mobiles is extremely proud to be associated as the title sponsor of Champions League Twenty20 and reiterates its commitment to Cricket with this brand association. We are sure that this fourth edition of CLT20 will become a grand success and will bring more edge-of-the-seat entertainment to the cricket fanatics from across the world. Cricket is one game which is considered as a religion in India and our association with it has helped in breaking the clutter and creating right visibility amongst our target audience.”

“During IPL 5 we introduced our new brand extension christened ‘Karbonn Smart’ offering the new range of technologically advanced products along with a complete range of smart-feature phone segment as well; the response of which has been overwhelming to say the least. With Champions League Twenty20 we are confident to take this unique mobile ecosystem to the next level. We intent to leverage this opportunity by utilising the 360 degree communication mix with a focus on TV, print, digital and press,” he further added.

Sudhir Hasija, Chairman, Karbonn Mobiles says, “Our association with the most popular sports of the subcontinent has proved to be a great platform to reach out to the audience, thus giving the brand an opportunity to connect with the consumers at a massive scale. The association with CLT20 is a matter of great pride for Karbonn Mobiles and it gives us a platform to create constructive fan engagement and thus generate a buzz around the brand Karbonn and the Brand CLT20. Looking to create some innovative brand engagement this season we wish to bring in avant-garde product placements and campaigns into the mix which will go a long way in taking CLT20 to the zenith of TV entertainment. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the BCCI for partnering us for some time now and wish to forward our whole hearted support in making this endeavor a grand success.”

Speaking on the occasion, Aloke Malik, Managing Director, ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd, said, “We are delighted to have Karbonn Mobiles come on board as the title sponsor of Champions League T20. I am very confident that this association will deliver a lot of value to Karbonn Mobiles who have been closely invested in T20 cricket for quite a while now.”

“Champions League Twenty20 in just 3 editions has established itself as a marquee cricket property. This year teams from as many as 8 cricket playing countries will feature in the tournament. From the subcontinent alone, we will see 6 teams in action. Besides the 4 IPL teams, for the very first time, we will have representation from Pakistan which will generate further interest in this block buster property,” added Aloke.

Speaking on the occasion, Rajeev Shukla, Chairman – Indian Premier League and Member - Champions League Twenty20 Governing Council, said, “It gives me immense pleasure in witnessing the grand coalition of telecom pioneers Karbonn Mobiles with our affluent brand Champions League Twenty 20.

In my view, our primary challenge has always been to persistently maintain as well as radically enhance the unparalleled standards established by the Champions League T20 brand in the last few years. I am extremely confident in stating that this adroit association shall certainly tender an augmented and enriching experience for the nationwide ardent cricket fanatics.”

CLT20 has shown a consistent increase in TV ratings as well as reach numbers over the past 3 editions. The first edition rated 1.5 TVR; the second edition saw an increase of 33% and the ratings jumped to 2 TVR*, the third edition of the league saw a further increase of 10% in TV ratings generating an overall 2.2 TVR. In terms of reach** as well, CLT20 has shown a positive trend. The first edition reached out to 77 million individuals while the second edition reached out to 95 million. The third edition reached out to 102 million individuals.
*TG Ratings 15+ M ABC CS
**TG Reach CS4+, All India, Live+highlights

About Karbonn Mobiles:

Karbonn Mobiles, launched in March 2009, is the one of the fastest growing mobile brand in the country complemented by a comprehensive portfolio of mobile phones with an array of features. Karbonn Mobiles is a joint venture between Delhi-based Jaina Group and Bangalore based UTL Group. Karbonn already has over 650 service centers established across the country, ensuring great after sales support.

About Karbonn Champions League Twenty20

CLT20 is an initiative of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Cricket Australia and Cricket South Africa. The tournament is a platform where the world's best domestic T20 teams get the opportunity to pit their skills against each other. The tournament is broadcast around the world by ESPN STAR Sports, who is also the commercial rights holder for the event.

Previous Champions

2009 - NSW Blues
2010 - Chennai Super Kings
2011 – Mumbai Indians

Competing teams

Qualifier

Pool 1
-- ECB 1 (winners of the ECB’s domestic T20 championship)
-- Sialkot Stallions (Pakistan)
-- Auckland Aces (New Zealand)

Pool 2
-- ECB 2 (runners-up in the ECB’s domestic T20 championship)
-- Trinidad and Tobago (West Indies)
-- Winners of Sri Lanka’s domestic T20 championship.

Group Stage:
The Group Stage will comprise 10 teams divided into two groups of five. Each side will play the other four in their group with the top two teams qualifying for the semi-finals.

Group A – Kolkata Knight Riders (India), Titans (South Africa), Perth Scorchers (Australia), Delhi Daredevils (India) and Qualifier 1.

Group B – Chennai Super Kings (India), Highveld Lions (South Africa), Sydney Sixers (Australia), Mumbai Indians (India) and Qualifier 2.

To view the photograph, please click on the link given below:
(L-R)- Mr. Pradeep Jain, Managing Director-Karbonn Mobiles, Mr. Rajeev Shukla- Chairman IPL and Member CL T20 Governing Council, Mr. Aloke Malik- Managing Director