Chandigarh: Nippon Paint India, part of the NIPSEA Group – Asia Pacific’s No. 1 paint and coatings manufacturer, on Thursday announced a landmark partnership with Punjab Kings as the franchise’s official partner for IPL 2026.The Nippon Paint logo will feature on the right sleeve of the Punjab Kings jersey across every match of the tournament – placing the brand in front of one of the largest, most engaged sporting audiences on the planet.The partnership was announced at an official launch event by Sharad Malhotra, Managing Director, Nippon Paint (India) Group; Mark Titus, President – Decorative Coatings Business, Nippon Paint India; and Satish Menon, CEO, Punjab Kings, in the presence of Yuzvendra Chahal – India and Punjab Kings cricketer and the IPL’s all-time leading wicket-taker, and Shashank Singh – Punjab Kings cricketer and one of the most dependable finishers in the format.Commenting on the partnership, Sharad Malhotra, Managing Director, Nippon Paint (India) Group, said “We are delighted to join hands with Punjab Kings. They are a team that embodies tremendous energy, fearless spirit, and the relentless will to win. The team’s ‘Never Give Up’ attitude resonates deeply with Nippon Paint’s core values. This same resilient spirit is what drives our #NayeIndiaKeNayeRang vision as we celebrate a dynamic, unstoppable nation on the move. The IPL gives us an extraordinary platform to connect with cricket fans across every corner of India, and through this partnership, we intend to do exactly that with colour, with energy, and with the full force of both brands.”The unveiling event also marked the reveal of the Punjab Kings jersey featuring the Nippon Paint logo on the right sleeve. Notably, both the Nippon Paint logo and the Punjab Kings jersey prominently feature red and blue colours, creating a strong visual synergy between the brand and the team identity. Adding a creative element to the occasion was the introduction of “Blobber Sher”, the Nippon Paint x Punjab Kings Blobby mascot, symbolising the strength, energy and fearless spirit associated with the team. The mascot is set to become a focal character in fan engagement campaigns, digital activations and retail experiences throughout the IPL season, extending the partnership’s reach far beyond the stadium boundary.Sharing his perspective on the collaboration, Mark Titus, President-Decorative Coatings Business, Nippon Paint India said: “The IPL is India’s most powerful platform for reaching younger consumers at scale — and Punjab Kings, with their vibrant identity and passionate fanbase, are the ideal partner for Nippon Paint as we accelerate our brand’s growth across India. This partnership is not just a jersey placement. It is our endeavour to build deep, lasting connections with the next generation of Indian consumers.”India remains a key growth market for Nippon Paint, driven by urbanisation, housing demand, and increasing preference for branded decorative coatings. Punjab Kings, finalists of the 2025 IPL season, have built a strong reputation for their energetic brand identity and passionate fan following, particularly across Northern India, making this collaboration a natural strategic fit. The association also provides Nippon Paint with a prominent presence in one of India’s most vibrant and commercially significant markets as it continues to expand its footprint in the country.Welcoming the association, Satish Menon, CEO, Punjab Kings, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Nippon Paint to the Punjab Kings family. Their strong reputation for leadership, innovation and quality aligns well with our team’s ambition and competitive spirit. With some of the most promising young and experienced talent in the squad, we intend to build a successful season, with Nippon Paint being a part of that journey.“Saurabh Arora, Chief Commercial Officer, Punjab Kings, said, ‘It is our pleasure to have Nippon Paints joining the Punjab Kings family. As a brand known for innovation and quality, it aligns with our vision of building a dynamic and high-performance franchise. We look forward to having a great season, with such like-minded partners to back us.”India and Punjab Kings cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal added: “It’s always exciting to have strong backing from partners like Nippon Paint India. As players, we’re focused on giving our best on the field and making our fans proud this season.”Punjab Kings cricketer Shashank Singh said, “Punjab Kings has one of the most passionate fan bases, and it’s great to see Nippon Paint join the journey with us. We’re looking forward to putting up strong performances and creating memorable moments for our fans this IPL.”
