Hero MotoCorp’s mobility brand VIDA and Ai+ Smartphone have joined forces with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) as sponsors for India’s upcoming landmark tour of New Zealand, featuring a record 12 international matches across all three formats.
VIDA will serve as the title sponsor for all three series, while Ai+ Smartphone will be the “Powered by” partner. The tour begins on October 22, 2026, and continues through December, with India and the BLACKCAPS set to compete in five T20 Internationals, five One-Day Internationals and two Test matches.
The series marks the largest bilateral tour hosted by NZC in terms of the number of matches and arrives at a significant time in relations between the two countries.
India and New Zealand are celebrating 100 years of sporting ties through the 100 Years of Unity Through Sportprogramme. The milestone dates back to 1926, when an Indian Army hockey team first toured New Zealand. The two nations have also recently signed a Free Trade Agreement, adding to their growing economic and sporting connections.
NZ Cricket welcomes new partners
NZC Chief Executive Geoff Allott welcomed Hero MotoCorp and Ai+ Smartphone ahead of the highly anticipated tour, highlighting the importance of strengthening ties with Indian businesses and cricket fans.
“There’s no secret about how big this tour by India is and we're delighted to have Hero MotoCorp and AI+ Smartphone partnering with us on it,” he said.
“New Zealand’s relationship with India continues to go from strength to strength on and off the cricket field. Alongside the special rivalry that’s developed between the BLACKCAPS and India, it’s equally important that NZC continues to build bonds and partnerships with the Indian public and businesses.
“Hero VIDA and Ai+ Smartphone aren’t just backing this series, they’re backing cricket in New Zealand, and for that we are really appreciative."
Hero VIDA backs landmark cricket series
Sanjay Bhan, Hero MotoCorp’s Executive Vice President of Global Business, Global Product Planning and Global Market Insights, said the company was proud to support the historic tour as title sponsor.
“We are proud to be the Title Sponsor for India’s tour of New Zealand, marking yet another significant chapter in the sporting relationship between the two nations.”
“For Hero VIDA, this partnership is an opportunity to associate with a highly anticipated international tour while celebrating the spirit of movement, ambition and progress - principles deeply rooted in our brand. We look forward to an exciting series that inspires fans across the world and creates many memorable moments, both on and off the field."
Ai+ Smartphone joins the cricketing celebration
Ai+ Smartphone also highlighted the opportunity to connect with audiences through one of India's most popular sporting events.
Archi Gogoi, Head of Brand, Marketing & Growth at Ai+ Smartphone, said, “Cricket is more than a sport in India; it is a shared cultural experience that brings together audiences across generations and geographies.”
“Our partnership with New Zealand Cricket around India’s 12-match tour gives Ai+ an opportunity to participate in one of the most anticipated sporting moments of the year while building relevance for the brand beyond the smartphone category. Technology and sport share a common language of performance, innovation and constant evolution, and this partnership allows us to bring that connection to life in a meaningful way.”
Tour opens in Christchurch
India’s tour will begin at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on October 22 with the first of five T20 Internationals in the Hero VIDA T20I series, powered by Ai+ Smartphone.
With 12 matches scheduled across T20Is, ODIs and Tests, the tour is expected to be a major event for cricket fans in both countries, further strengthening the sporting connection between India and New Zealand.
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