Kochi IPL sets eyes on Salman, Katrina for glamour quotient

New Delhi: With an eye on adding glamour quotient, the latest entrant in the Indian Premier League, the Kochi team, is in talks with Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif to be the brand ambassadors for the `Indi Commandos`.

"We are currently talking to Salman and Katrina for endorsement deals," Kochi IPL Team co-owner Mukesh Patel told reporters. While Katrina has been seen promoting the Bangalore Royal Challengers in the past, Salman has been reported to be keen on buying an IPL team. Industry observers pointed out that if the deal is signed, the Kochi IPL team (officially named `Indi Commandos`) would get the much needed boost on the glamour front with the `Dabangg` of Bollywood, Salman promoting the team along with Katrina. They pointed out that IPL is not only about of cricket and glamour plays an important part with the likes of Shilpa Shetty adding zing for Rajasthan Royals and Shahrukh Khan doing the same for Kolkata Knight Riders, while Preity Zinta ensures that Kings XI Punjab has enough Bollywood quotient. The Kochi IPL team is even ready with a promotional video directed by noted film maker Priyadarshan, which is likely to be on air in the coming days. Already the new team has signed up Italian footwear maker Lotto as the apparel sponsor and is in talks with several companies for sponsorship. While the World Cup is headed toward the critical stage, the build up for the IPL has began with the broadcaster Set Max and franchisees finalising their plans for the season four of the IPL that kicks off on April 8. For instance, Pune Warriors, the team owned by the Sahara Group, has also signed up with Adidas as the uniform sponsor and is close to finalise the rest. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals which had won the inaugural season of the tournament in 2008, is focusing on building the fan connect in Rajasthan this year. "The focus this year is to connect with fans in Rajasthan for which we are doing a lot of on-ground activities in the state," Rajasthan Royals Chief Marketing Officer Raghu Iyer said. Similarly, the Delhi Daredevils team, to be led by Virender Sehwag, has a host of promotional activities planned to support the team. "We will come out with a new film and have partnered with media companies to promote the team. Even the team jerseys will have a new look with some modifications," Delhi Daredevils COO Amrit Mathur said. There is also a focus on digital media and social networking sites to drive strong consumer connect, he added. In the meantime, Set Max has already launched its multi- media promotional campaign `IPL on, toh Bharat Bandh`. The new campaign will be spread across the next six weeks on television, print, radio, Internet, out of home coupled with below the line activities. PTI