Ambassador Alert: Crex, Puma, Skechers

Shikhar Dhawan to bat for Crex with 'Cricket ka Gabbar' campaign

Crex, a cricket score and news platform, has signed Shikhar Dhawan as its new brand ambassador. The brand's recent campaign also features Dhawan as the 'Cricket ka Gabbar'.

Shikhar Dhawan, the current captain of Punjab Kings, has earned him a global fan following and immense respect from players and coaches alike. Dhawan is addressed as the Gabbar of on-field cricket. With this association, Crex aspires to showcase the collaborative domination of the duo off the field as well.

Purushotam Rawat, founder and CEO of Crex mentions, "We are excited to have Shikhar on board as our brand ambassador. We’re inspired by how Shikhar has ruled the game as a left-arm opener in international cricket for India. His ability to lead the game in the most challenging situations and come out as a champion resonates with our brand’s core values. He’s also popular amongst the fans by the name of ‘Gabbar’ and ‘Mr ICC’ which is consistent with CREX being the no.1 cricket app in India. With his addition to our team, we hope to further spark the growth of our brand in India.”

Expressing his thoughts, Shikhar Dhawan adds, “CREX plays a vital role in more than 100 Million cricket fans’ lives and hence empowers cricket as a game. It allows the fans to stay tuned with live cricket scores, stats, and stories of every cricket match around the globe. Not just that, fans can also follow their favourite cricket players and teams to get all updates related to them. I am thrilled to associate with CREX, a brand that has taken the cricket experience to a whole new level and helps the fans stay close to the game."

Puma onboards Milind Soman as running ambassador

Puma has welcomed icon Milind Soman as its running Ambassador, marking his first-ever partnership with a performance-wear brand.

Having kickstarted his running journey at the age of 38, Soman has always advocated injury-free and safe running practices across various terrains, alternating between barefoot running and shoes depending on the requirement. As part of his partnership with Puma, Milind will run in the NITRO range.

Speaking about this partnership, Karthik Balagopalan, managing director, Puma India says, “Milind Soman has been the face of running in India and is an inspiration. While he is well-known as a barefoot runner, PUMA becoming his preferred choice of footwear is a testament to the superior NITRO technology in our shoes that provides comfort, performance, and energy return to thrive in the most demanding conditions. This partnership signifies PUMA's commitment to supporting athletes in their pursuit of excellence, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. We are thrilled to have Milind Soman in the PUMA family and we are confident that this association will further push and strengthen the running revolution in the country.”

PUMA revealed its association with Soman through a campaign film for its range of NITRO shoes. The film addresses everyday runners and highlights the reality that running is not an easy sport – it pushes your mind and body. The campaign film emphasises that while running will still be tough, with PUMA NITRO, the run feels better.

Under this partnership, Soman will also contribute to the growth of the running community alongside Puma and represent the brand at top running events and campaigns throughout the year. Additionally, he will also serve as the face of Puma’s bodywear for men.

“Running is undoubtedly one of the fastest-growing sports in India and I foresee our nation on the brink of becoming a global leader, such as China, Japan, and Singapore in the region, in producing top-tier runners and running communities, including amateur marathon enthusiasts. I meet runners and travel groups across the country all the time and understand the significance of running gear in making running more comfortable. Personally, I have always been impressed by the impeccable fit, comfort, performance, and design of PUMA shoes. As PUMA’s running ambassador, I will work closely with the brand and inspire people around the world to push beyond their perceived limitations and defy the odds,” shares Soman.

Skechers Ropes In Ishan Kishan As Its Ambassador

Skechers has signed cricket player Ishan Kishan as its brand ambassador. Kishan will appear in marketing campaigns supporting Skechers Performance and Lifestyle footwear collections.

Ishan Kishan speaks on this partnership, "I am excited to be a part of the Skechers family. As an athlete, footwear is critical when it comes to comfort and performance in my game. With Skechers, I have a partner who perfectly aligns with my needs. I look forward to associating with them in their commitment to creating world-class athletic footwear for everyone."

Rahul Vira, CEO, Skechers Asia adds, "The signing of Ishan Kishan is a milestone for Skechers. We see this as an opportunity to tap into India's love for cricket and are proud to have Ishan on board, wearing the first Skechers cricket boots and appearing in campaigns. More than just a partnership, adding Ishan to our team is a testament to the brand's commitment to promoting sports and active lifestyles with innovative products that deliver our signature comfort that performs. Ishan is an inspiration to youthful consumers across the country, and we believe that his energy and dynamism perfectly resonate with Skechers' sporty and stylish offerings, and Indians nationwide will champion him as the face of Skechers.”

Beyond cricket, the Skechers team of athletes competing in the brand’s performance footwear includes footballers Harry Kane, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Anthony Elanga; NBA stars Julius Randle and Terance Mann; Major baseball players including Clayton Kershaw, Aaron Nola and Brendan Donovan; golfers Matt Fitzpatrick and Brooke Henderson; and pickleball pros Tyson McGuffin and Catherine Parenteau.