Dell support for State association
KSCA signs deal with technology giants
Given how intricately technology and cricket have come to be inter-linked, it is in the fitness of things that a technological giant should associate itself with a cricket association.
The initially year-long partnership between Dell and the Karnataka State Cricket Association was formally announced at the Chinnaswamy stadium on Monday evening. Dell will support all cricket-related activities of the KSCA for that one-year period, and all teams representing the State at national tournaments will sport the Dell logo on their apparel.
“It’s a momentous occasion,” said KSCA president Anil Kumble. “It’s great for us that a multi-national company is supporting the KSCA. There is a lot of synergy in our plans. We are desirous of taking the game beyond Bangalore and to other parts of the State, which is also what Dell’s idea is.
“Technology is important in sport,” the former India skipper continued. “I am really glad that KSCA is the catalyst, and I hope this is the beginning of a long association. Our Ranji Trophy team will be the first to sport the Dell logo when their campaign begins next week.
“I would like our team to be the number one side in the country. I am sure they will do well this season and improve on their impressive performances of the last two seasons.”
P Krishnakumar, the executive director, marketing consumer and SMB Dell India, said he didn’t need a powerpoint presentation from the KSCA to be convinced that this tie-up would be mutually beneficial.
“When I met Srinath, he showed me around the KSCA and said, ‘Our idea is to replicate what we have here in different parts of the State’. That clinched it for me,” Krishnakumar revealed.
“Technology is a great platform to help people build aspirations. The idea of KSCA going to schools and colleges to not only promote crickt but also bring about the professional dimenstion into cricket appealed to us.
“We basically had two areas of convergence -- trying to reach out to the smaller market, and the fact that there can’t be two better role models than Kumble and Srinath when it comes to blending education and sport,” he added.
KSCA secretary Srinath said, “Our commonality starts from reaching out to the students. Technology is a great leveller, and in that regard, Dell and we are on the same page. You can’t do without technology, it has invaded all spheres of life and sport is no exception.”
The former India paceman also said the association between Dell and the KSCA would cover to all State sides, as well as to league, college and school cricket conducted by the KSCA.
Dell will pick up the expenditure incurred by the KSCA on cricketing activities during the next year, an amount expected to be in the range of Rs 1.5 crore.
Later, the R Vinay Kumar-led Ranji squad walked on to the dais, clad in white t-shirts sporting the Dell logo. "We want to do well. If we stick to the basics, we can win the trophy," Vinay said.
