Emirates increases support of cricket and India
Emirates, the Dubai-based global airline, strengthened its commitment
to the cricket world and to India by becoming the main sponsor of the
Kings XI Panjab IPL team.
The Kings XI Panjab is one of the eight competing cricket franchisees
of the Indian Premier League, based in Mohali, representing a huge
catchment area of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir.
Owned by actress Preity Zinta and businessman Ness Wadia, Karan Paul
and Mohit Burman, the Kings XI Panjab is captained by cricket sensation
Yuvraj Sing and coached by former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody.
The squad line-up includes a number of legendary players such as
Brett Lee, one of the world’s fastest bowlers, Sri Lankan pair Mahela
Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara, Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan,
wicket keeper James Hopes and Durban-based Yusuf Abdulla.
Kings XI Punjab’s first match is against the Delhi Daredevils in Cape
Town on April 19.
Maurice Flanagan, Executive Vice Chairman, Emirates Airline and
Group, said: “Emirates is a great supporter of global sporting events,
and we are very excited to announce our partnership with the Kings XI
Punjab team.” “With cricket being the number one sport in India, it was
only natural for us to form a partnership with one of the leading teams
in the Indian Premier League; a tournament that invokes such passion
amongst the cricket fans all around the world.”
“This three-year sponsorship commitment will allow Emirates to become
closer to our customer base in one of the most important regions on our
network.”
Preity Zinta, joint owner of the Kings XI Punjab, said: “I would like
to thank Emirates for its long-term partnership with the Kings XI
Punjab. Emirates is a front runner in sports sponsorships around the
world.
Emirates is a great airline, with great cabins and a great place to
have a shower onboard,” referring to the airline’s latest A380 service.
The IPL is the first of three significant sporting events taking place
in South Africa over the next 18 months that Emirates is involved in;
the other two being the FIFA Confederations Cup in June and next year’s
FIFA World Cup.”
In addition to the title sponsorship of the Kings XI Punjab, Emirates
is also an Official Partner of the ICC and sponsor of the Emirates Elite
Panel of ICC Umpires and Referees.
As an airline, Emirates links 10 destinations across India with the
rest of the world via to Dubai, and serves South Africa with a triple
daily to Johannesburg and a daily flight to Cape Town. From October 1,
Emirates will begin daily flights to Durban. |