Press Release Summary
Bengaluru, July 2026 – ICS Mobile, a leading cloud communications platform‑as‑a‑service (CPaaS) and conversational messaging company, announced that it has become the owner of the Shivamogga Yodhas franchise, one of the six teams competing in the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) Maharaja Trophy 2026, Karnataka’s premier state‑level T20 tournament.
Founded in 2008 by Co‑Founders Abhishek Agarwalla and Himansu Doshi, the ISO‑certified firm delivers more than two billion communications each month, supports over 50,000 transactions per second, and operates a messaging infrastructure capable of processing in excess of four crore (40 million) SMS per hour. The company serves more than 500 premium brands across retail, BFSI, healthcare and FMCG sectors.
The KSCA Maharaja Trophy, launched in 2022, has quickly become a respected platform for emerging Karnataka cricketers, offering exposure to IPL scouts and national selectors. The 2026 edition features six franchise teams representing major cricketing regions of the state.
Shivamogga Yodhas, under the new ownership of ICS Mobile, will field a competitive squad that includes IPL‑experienced players Smaran R (formerly of Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Yash Punja (previously with Rajasthan Royals). The side will be coached by former Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricketer Bharat Chipli, who brings extensive domestic and franchise experience.
Commenting on the investment, Abhishek Agarwalla, Co‑Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ICS Mobile, said: “Cricket has an unparalleled ability to unite communities and inspire the next generation of talent. The KSCA Maharaja Trophy has emerged as one of the country’s most professionally managed state T20 leagues and plays an important role in the development pathway for young cricketers. Through Shivamogga Yodhas, we are proud to support a platform that celebrates performance, opportunity, and regional sporting excellence.”
Industry observers note that corporate participation in domestic sports leagues is increasingly viewed as a strategic avenue for long‑term brand engagement while contributing to grassroots talent development. For ICS Mobile, the franchise ownership is positioned as a long‑term investment that aligns with its values of performance, scale, innovation and community engagement.
(Disclaimer: The above press release is provided under an arrangement with NRDPL. PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.)