Haier Appliances India has secured the Title Partnership for Match Centre Live on JioHotstar for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. The association comes into effect from 7 February and continues through 8 March 2026, spanning the full duration of the tournament, which is set to be hosted across India and Sri Lanka.
By associating itself with one of India’s most-watched digital cricket properties, Haier is clearly looking to deepen its connection with millions of viewers who now prefer watching live sports through streaming platforms rather than traditional television. The partnership blends live sport with expert-led discussion, a mix that has become increasingly popular among younger and more digitally inclined audiences.
Key Takeaways
- Duration: The partnership covers all 55 matches, running from 7 February to 8 March 2026.
- Platform: Match Centre Live will stream exclusively on JioHotstar.
- Multilingual Reach: Coverage spans nine languages, including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bangla, Marathi, and for the first time, Bhojpuri and
- Haryanvi.
- Brand Presence: Haier branding will feature through studio visuals, logo loops, and verbal mentions by on-air experts.
- Audience Target: The campaign focuses on young, tech-aware, and premium consumers across India.
Connecting with Fans Through Sport-o-Tainment
This partnership forms a central part of Haier’s broader marketing strategy, which increasingly leans on high-impact sporting events to reach modern Indian households. Cricket, after all, continues to be one of the few truly unifying passions in the country, cutting across regions and languages. By positioning itself within the digital cricket ecosystem, the brand hopes to showcase its premium appliance portfolio in a setting that already commands attention and emotional investment.
Match Centre Live is designed as more than just a highlights show. It combines live match data with in-depth analysis, expert opinions, and interactive discussions. For many fans, especially those watching on mobile devices or smart TVs, this format feels more engaging than conventional broadcast panels. It is perhaps not surprising that Haier sees value in being part of these ongoing conversations rather than just appearing during ad breaks.
Star Power and Expert Voices
The show features a rotating panel of former cricketers and seasoned commentators, adding credibility and insight to the viewing experience. During the 2026 edition, fans can expect appearances and analysis from well-known names such as Yuzvendra Chahal, Suresh Raina, and Harbhajan Singh.
By aligning itself with these familiar faces, Haier gains visibility among an audience that values performance, reliability, and expertise. These are qualities that, not coincidentally, the brand often emphasizes in its product messaging as well.
Visibility and Digital Integration
As the Title Partner, Haier’s presence will be woven consistently throughout the broadcast. The brand logo will appear on central studio screens, during transitions such as wipes and stings, and within branded segments. In addition to visual exposure, commentators will also include verbal brand mentions during live discussions, which tends to feel more organic to viewers.
The partnership extends beyond the studio format. Digital-first elements such as branded tickers and promotional videos featuring JioStar talent will appear across both mobile and Connected TV platforms. With CTV viewership growing rapidly in India, this approach allows Haier to reach families watching together at home, as well as individual viewers streaming on smartphones.
Strengthening Brand Presence in India
Haier has been a significant player in the Indian home appliance market for close to two decades. With manufacturing facilities in Pune and Greater Noida, the company actively supports local production initiatives while catering to both mass and premium segments. Its recognition as the top global major appliances brand for 17 consecutive years by Euromonitor further strengthens its market position.
Commenting on the association, Mr. NS Satish, President of Haier Appliances India, noted that cricket is more than just a sport in India; it is a shared national emotion. He added that partnering with Match Centre Live enables the brand to connect with fans at scale, while becoming part of an insight-led and interactive viewing experience rather than a passive advertising presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which platform will host Match Centre Live for the 2026 T20 World Cup?
A1: The show will stream exclusively on JioHotstar, which holds the digital rights for the tournament in India.
Q2: In which languages can viewers watch the show?
A2: Match Centre Live will be available in nine languages: English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Bangla, Marathi, Bhojpuri, and Haryanvi.
Q3: What is the duration of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026?
A3: The tournament begins on 7 February and concludes with the final on 8 March 2026.
