Warne's Royals, Kings XI scouting for sponsors

NEW DELHI: Wanting to cash in on their success, the ongoing Indian Premier League���s (IPL) top-performing teams such as Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals have opened talks with fresh potential sponsors.

Kings XI, for example, sealed its eighth sponsor last week - Typhoo Tea -, and is in talks with potential companies for two more properties - travel and watch partner, respectively. Similarly, owners of Rajasthan Royals (RR) are in talks to add at least two-three more companies.

Said Kings XI team co-owner Mohit Burman: ���Though there are very few properties left and our inventory is nearly sold out, we are trying to maximise our revenues by creating newer options for sponsorship.���

Mr Burman said the team management was in talks with a watch company and an airline company. Typhoo Tea, Kings XI���s latest sponsor signed last week, has come on board to sponsor the team���s trouser, man of the match and mascot properties.

Apart from sponsors Coca-Cola, Spice Telecom, Provogue, 9X and Kotak, Bombay Dyeing is Kings XI���s official formal wear partner and Fosters is the team���s beer partner.

Emerging Media, which owns Rajasthan Royals, is similarly keen on expanding its brand portfolio. Said Emerging Media head (marketing & sales) Raghu Iyer: ���Since we are doing well in the series, several brands have expressed interest to associate with Rajasthan Royals. We are looking at adding one or two additional brand partners.���