Kings XI Punjab name title sponsor for IPL 2018

Preity Zinta co-owned Kings XI Punjab went all guns blazing in the IPL Player Auction last month in a bid to bolster their squad. The franchise spent big to acquire some big-shots in the business. The presence of Chris Gayle, Ravi Ashwin, Aaron Finch amongst others in the ranks will provide them with the ambition to end their title drought since the inception of the league in 2008.

The Punjab-based franchise has been good on the sponsorship front as well. They have acquired their latest title sponsor in Kent Ro, who will be replacing the Hero group-owned Hero Cycles. Kent will be seen on the front of the shirt of the Punjab team now. Contrary to the last few years where the KXIP could only manage last minute distress deal for its principal sponsorship, Kent Ro deal has been a welcome change.

And the team this time has been able to manage an increase of 35-40% for its title deal, Insidesport.co reports. Although CEO Satish Menon refused to divulge the exact value of the deal, he confirmed that team is getting better traction from the sponsors this year. According to Menon, most of their key sponsorship inventory has been sold out.

“We are getting an overwhelming response from the brands who are looking forward to target the local market in Punjab. We are happy that 90% of our inventory is sold out,” added Satish.

KXIP bags more popular brands for sponsorship

Not only Kent Ro is on board for Kings XI Punjab, they also have managed to close some other key sponsorship deals with 8 weeks to go for IPL 2018. Royal Stag, Detergent brand Fena (official partner), Lotus Herbals are few other brands who will be seen on KXIP’S t-shirt this year.

KXIP to change name

Apart from new sponsors and fresh-looking squad, KXIP is seeking more changes. The franchise has reportedly filed a request to BCCI for the change in its name and is also looking forward to shifting their base out of Punjab. The franchise, that has Indore as their second home venue, had earlier cited poor fan support and weekly football being played at the PCA Stadium in Mohali as the reason for their distress.

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