Maruti Suzuki executes brand integrations and content initiatives on ESPNcricinfo for cricket season

Delhi: Maruti Suzuki partnered with ESPNcricinfo this cricket season, including the WPL, IPL, and the T20 World Cup 2024. 

The initiatives included: 

"Maruti Suzuki Arena presents ICONS, Made for More" – a series of conversations with Mithali Raj. The entire series was shot in the Maruti Suzuki S-PRESSO, where Raj and sports presenter Bhavna Balakrishnan were engaged in discussions. 

From Harmanpreet Singh to Smriti Mandhana, Jemima Rodrigues to Sneh Rana, the duo delved into the journeys of these cricketers.

During the IPL, fans witnessed a series of content integrations for Maruti Suzuki as the presenting sponsors on ESPNcricinfo’s daily video show – Timeout. This show featured international and Indian cricketers discuss the day’s happenings from the IPL. The show included Steve Smith and Irfan Pathan to Ian Bishop, Tom Moody, and Varun Aaron.

The T20 World Cup began with a singular event, Maruti Suzuki Arena presents T20 Rendezvous in association with JBL, where Irfan Pathan and Australian batter Mathew Hayden – came together. The duo presented their views on the World T20 extravaganza that was to unfold in US and the Caribbean Island. 

During the world cup, spinner Anil Kumble, ex-England, IPL and PSL coach Andy Flower, NZ captain, IPL and BBL coach Stephen Fleming, 2-time World Cup winner Tom Moody, ex-Pakistan skipper Urooj Mumtaz, commentator and ex-WI pacer Ian Bishop, and World Cup-winning Australian captain Aaron Finch lead the Timeout panel. They were joined by Morne Morkel (SA), Tamin Iqbal (Bangladesh), Nick Knight (England), Daren Ganga (WI), Farveez Maharoof (SL), Samuel Badree (WI), Niall O’Brien (Ireland), Sanjay Manjrekar, Varun Aaron, and Wasim Jaffer among others. 

Kumble said, “I believe that many years of international experience with the Indian Cricket team and subsequent association with the current players through coaching and playing in the IPL, enhances one’s ability to evaluate any team's performance on the field, especially in the ever-evolving T20 format. Sharing these insights with the audience on Timeout and other ESPNcricinfo shows makes for a rewarding experience, with the need to provide insightful and in-depth analysis to passionate fans. This role keeps me connected to the sport I cherish while offering enthusiasts a deeper appreciation and understanding of cricket's intricacies.”

Also continuing from the IPL was Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Safe Hands, a daily topical post-match video feature where experts pick their favorite fielder for the day who acted as the true safety net for his team. 

In the coming weeks, the series Maruti Suzuki Arena presents Road to the Future, will be a series of short videos focused on youngsters like Sachin Dhas, Arshin Kulkarni and others. 

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India, said,  “India's rich tapestry of cultures finds a common ground in the nation's profound love for cricket. Maruti Suzuki takes pride in forging a deep connection with its diverse customer base, a sentiment mirrored in the country's passion for Cricket. Our long-standing collaboration with ESPNcricinfo, strengthens our commitment to resonate with Cricket lovers. This partnership reflects Maruti Suzuki's core philosophy to create brand affinity and maintains a strong connect with our customers by consistently delivering excellence.”

Speaking on the association, Akshaya Kolhe, Director – Revenue, ESPNcricinfo, said, “Our association with Maruti Suzuki is today one of the longest-running brand partnerships in the history of digital media in India. It is our continued endeavor to create the best of fan-centric content, with an aim to connect Maruti Suzuki with their audiences in the most organic, seamless manner possible. By aligning with the brand’s campaign objectives, we aim to deliver entertaining and awe-inspiring insights and stories to our new-age consumers who are continually looking for quality content and powerful storytelling.” 

As ESPNcricinfo continues to evolve, it promises to uphold its legacy of excellence and innovation in cricket coverage. Yet again, this has been validated through the diverse, enriching, and entertaining series of content in partnership with Maruti Suzuki, that leads its stellar coverage of the T20 World Cup this year. Through this coverage, it is well and truly living up to its communication of “Scores Se lot More.”