By Alkesh Sharma, IANS,
Chandigarh : Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) is looking to forge a deep bond with local fans through their exciting game and an assortment of marketing initiatives during the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).
KXIP is looking to increase its support base in the neighbouring states.
“On the marketing front, we have a lot of initiatives and many interactions lined up for the fans. We are happy to announce that registered data base of fans on our website has crossed 100,000 which is a landmark in itself,” Arvinder Singh chief officiating officer of KXIP, told IANS.
He added, “We have so many activities for our fans besides ticketing. We have live chats, blogs, interactive sessions with players and co-owner Preity Zinta. All updates will be available on our website. We are also planning to introduce the facility of live video chats on the website.”
Singh said they will be running several campaigns throughout the 51-day tournament to draw the fans.
“Our team is all about the spirit of Punjab. There are many initiatives like ‘homecoming’ an opportunity to meet and greet players in their hometowns in Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh, and flying catch contest for the fans,” said Singh.
“We will run a campaign called ‘paint the town red’ and a contest ‘Rocky Ranjit ki Khoj’, a search for the voices for our mascots has been arranged,” he added.
Adam Gilchrist, newly appointed skipper of KXIP, is also very excited about the fan base.
“This is really exciting time for us and I am looking forward to good support from local fans. Our team wants to develop strong bond and relationship with our fans,” Gilchrist told IANS.
“We already have many fans on our website and I expect huge number of them to come to the stadium to watch the entertaining cricket,” Gilchrist said.
KXIP team, which finished at last spot in the previous season of IPL, is one of the 10 franchises competing in the fourth edition.
Meanwhile, Singh said that ticket sales has been good.
“The response that we are getting through the ticket sales is exceptional. More than 60 per cent tickets of the first game have already been sold and for the other games over 30 per cent have been sold. We promise an excellent season of cricket,” stated Singh.
The fans remain excited despite local boy Yuvraj Singh shifting base to Pune Warriors.
“I am a big fan of KXIP and want them to win the title. I am taking part in all their contests and looking forward to meet Gilchrist and Preity,” Ankur Behl, a young cricket fan, told IANS.