1. 

   IPL 2016: Having launched this January, the latest entrant in the smartphone category, Reliance Jio Infocomm powered LYF smartphones (offering includes Lyf Water 5, Lyf Wind 6, Lyf Flame 1, Lyf Water 2, Lyf Water 1, Lyf Earth 1 ), a brand by Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Retail, signed sponsorship deals with three Indian Premier League (IPL) teams including Mumbai Indians, Rising Pune Supergiants and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Reliance Jio Infocomm released its first TVC during IPL featuring actor Kangana Ranaut with cricketers MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and R Ashwin.

2. 

   Gionee, which is undergoing a brand makeover globally, unveiled a new logo in India. The theme of the brand communication is that Gionee brings smiles on the faces of millions, through its innovative technology. The Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign rides on the association with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), of which it is a principal sponsor. Though the cost is high, brands jostle for association with IPL and this time, the stage belongs to smartphone manufacturers.

3. 

   The ninth season of the IPL has seen a number of first-timers as well, especially from the smartphone category like LYF and Intex.

4. 

   In short, in its nine years of existence, Indian Premier League (IPL) has become a must-advertise-on property. From companies across categories churning out crores on sponsorships and lakhs for a 10 second spot to treating the property as a launchpad for new products/ad campaigns, the tournament is now as important as Diwali in a marketer’s calendar. Consider how Vodafone introduced everyone to ZooZoos in the second season of IPL, or how Amazon India launched its maiden campaign on the platform in 2014. Time and again, the homegrown cricketing tournament has proved to be a safe bet for brands. (Source: IE)

5. 

   Rohit Gupta president, network sales at Sony Pictures Networks India said, “Because of the audience IPL brings — children, men and women across economic backgrounds — all categories can represent themselves at the property. Last year, e-commerce was the largest advertiser; in fact, it had a share of almost 20-25%. This year, apart from e-commerce, the handset category has come up in a big way.” (Reuters)