Emirates, the Dubai-based global airline, strengthened its commitment to the cricket world and to India on Saturday, by becoming the Main Sponsor of the Kings XI Punjab IPL team.
The Kings XI Punjab 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 & Kashmir.
Owned by actress Preity Zinta and businessmen Ness Wadia, Karan Paul and Mohit Burman, the Kings XI Punjab is captained by cricket sensation Yuvraj Singh 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 Jayawardene 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 19th April.
Orhan Abbas, Emirates Vice President India and Nepal, 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.
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“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.
“Besides, both are brands are associated with the colour red,” concluded Preity.
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 full spirits, Yuvraj Singh, Captain, Kings XI Punjab added, “We have the best aircraft, best oil and we’ll definitely fly high.”
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 1st October, Emirates will begin daily flights to Durban.