IPL goodies spice up cricket mania

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The IPL carnival is on a roll. As the excitement soars and the teams battle it out on the field, it’s time to flaunt your sporty side. Designers, brands and marketing departments of various teams have come up with exciting merchandise to woo fans — from tees to turbans, binoculars to wristbands.
Designer duo Shantanu and Nikhil have dressed up Mumbai Indians in a new look this year, so fans have new colours to sport too. “The concept used this time is called ‘one-blood’ which means Mumbai and India are one. There’s a sprinkle of gold from the chest to waist —signifying Indians have a heart of gold. Since Mumbai Indians are a glam team, the idea was to amp up the glam wattage,” says Nikhil.
The marketing team for Rajasthan Royals is playing it smart this year and has come up with exciting innovations in merchandise. “We are launching everything online first as it’s the best way to reach out to maximum number of people. We have introduced readymade turbans for fans, to be sold in all hospitality areas. Fans can get a turban tied at the venue as well. The prices range from `200 to `300,” says Bhavin Thakkar, GM, sales and marketing, Essel Marketing and Promotions Pvt. Ltd.
Apart from that the team has introduced binoculars and interesting paper fans, which can also be used as playing cards.
Kings XI Punjab’s merchandise comprises of silicon wristbands, sleeveless jerseys, T-shirts, polo T-shirts, cheering sticks etc. Col. Arvinder Singh, COO of Kings XI Punjab says, “Licensing and merchandising is an integral part of our campaign as it is a valuable tool to reach out and connect with our fans.”
It’s auction time at collectabilia.com. Universal Collectabilia Private Limited, promoters of India’s first sports merchandise website, have launched a live online auction of IPL merchandise from six teams (including Deccan Chargers, Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders) where fans can purchase just about anything — from Sachin Tendulkar’s 100th century memorabilia to sporting goods from high-end brands. For those who love designer labels, Deepika Govind has come up with a collection of tees for IPL. “The sporty collection has specifically been designed for the traveller who wants to carry with him the threads of the Indian experience. It’s chic, sharp and fitted,” she says.
As for Deccan Chargers, E. Venkatram Reddy, COO, Deccan Chargers, shares, “Our apparel manufacturer Puma has always been unique and stylish. The team’s merchandise has been the bestseller among IPL franchises for the past two years and shall be a winner this year too. This season too the merchandise has come out really well. Though the entire DC range is faboulous, the DC Polo is what one should really look forward to.”