Mumbai: IndusInd Bank as a part of its association with ICC for the second year in a row, leveraged the premium Anthem Buddies programme at the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in USA and West Indies. Through this program, the bank had provided an opportunity to all cricket enthusiasts to access a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for their children to accompany the teams walking out onto the field for the national anthems.
In order to expand the ambit of opportunity to a larger audience for the Anthem Buddies program, IndusInd Bank had rolled out a contest on its digital platforms, wherein the parents had to submit the response for participation. From the entries received through the social media contest, select entries were chosen by the jury basis the uniqueness of the Cricket slogans that were filled by the parents submitting the entries.
IndusInd Bank had collaborated with ICC for the Anthem Buddies program even for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023 wherein they had received an overwhelming response and created memorable moments for 1440 children and their respective parents over 48 matches across 10 Indian cities fostering a sense of shared enthusiasm for the sport.
IndusInd Bank head – consumer banking and marketing Soumitra Sen, said: “At IndusInd Bank, we believe in the power of sports to unite communities and inspire the next generation. After the overwhelming success of the Anthem Buddies Programme during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, we were pleased to be able to anchor this again. Through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Anthem Buddies programme, we aim to create lasting memories for parents and their children, offering them a unique opportunity to stand alongside their cricketing heroes and create an unforgettable experience.”
ICC chief commercial officer, Anurag Dahiya, said: “ICC events provide numerous opportunities for brands to engage with their audiences and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Anthem Buddies Programme is a standout brand activation initiative. Walking out alongside the world’s best cricketers is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We saw its tremendous success in India in 2023, and it is as impactful right now in the West Indies and USA.”
Some of the parents of the kids who were part of IndusInd Bank’s Anthem Buddies program, were exhilarated to share their experience as follows:
Ganesh Narayanan, a customer of IndusInd Bank and parent of Pranav Ganesh, shares his experience for his son being part of the Anthem Buddies program, “Immense gratitude to the Bank for this unforgettable experience for giving my son an opportunity to walk, meet and hold hands with his cricket heroes. Goosebumps till date.”
Alpesh Patel, a customer of IndusInd Bank and parent of Tej Patel, shares experience of his son being part of the Anthem Buddies program, “We are grateful for the opportunity provided by the IndusInd Bank Anthem Buddies Program. Our son was thrilled to pair up with a player from the Indian cricket team and stand on the field for the national anthem for the India vs. USA match. This program is a wonderful initiative that creates lifelong memories and fosters a strong sense of national pride. Thank you, IndusInd Bank and the organizers, for this unforgettable experience!”
Suresh Pasumarty, customer of IndusInd Bank, cricket fan and parent of Pranav Tejas Pasumarty, shares his experience of his son being part of Anthem Buddies program, “We are thankful to IndusInd Bank for providing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to our kids to meet the cricketers and walk with them for the National Anthem ceremony. This will be a moment that will always be cherished by the kid.”
