Tilaknagar Industries Limited (TI) has announced that Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water will be the title sponsor of the inaugural Assam Premier League (APL), with the tournament set to be officially known as the Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League. The franchise-based T20 tournament will be held from August 1 to August 23, 2026, at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
Organised by the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), the league will feature eight franchises, 43 matches, and showcase cricketing talent from across Assam. With two matches scheduled daily, the tournament aims to provide emerging players with a competitive platform and a pathway to the BCCI domestic circuit. The league, guided by the motto “Aamar Axom, Aamar Gourab”, seeks to strengthen the state’s cricketing ecosystem.
As title sponsor, Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water will receive extensive branding visibility throughout the tournament. Ahmed Rahimtoola, Chief Marketing Officer of Tilaknagar Industries, said the partnership reflects the brand’s commitment to connecting with consumers through cricket while celebrating Assam’s sporting culture and regional pride.
The Assam Premier League was launched by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on June 21 with the unveiling of the trophy, logo and team identities. The player auction held on July 19 saw eight franchises select their squads from a pool of 275 cricketers, including 20 marquee players who have represented Assam in BCCI competitions.
The title sponsorship is expected to enhance the commercial profile of the inaugural league while generating greater consumer engagement in Guwahati. The tournament is likely to boost demand for branded products through on-ground promotions, retail activations and fan engagement initiatives, while also benefiting local hospitality, transport and small businesses during the three-week sporting event.