Hero MotoCorp, the world's largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, and Ai+ Smartphone, one of the fastest-growing new entrants in India's smartphone market, have partnered with NZC for the upcoming India mega-tour to New Zealand.
VIDA, the emerging mobility arm of Hero MotoCorp, will be the title sponsor for all three series, with Ai+ Smartphone confirmed as the ‘Powered by’ Partner.
The landmark tour begins on 22 October 2026 and runs across all three formats through to December, with the BLACKCAPS and India meeting in five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests - 12 matches in total, the most ever for an NZC hosted bi-lateral tour.
The blockbuster series lands at a poignant moment for India and New Zealand, who fresh from signing a Free Trade Agreement, are commemorating a century of sporting connection through the '100 Years of Unity through Sport' programme, a milestone that traces back to 1926, when an Indian Army hockey team first toured New Zealand.
NZC CEO Geoff Allott welcomed the two new partners to NZC ahead of the marquee tour.
“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 MotoCorp’s Executive Vice President of Global Business, Global Product Planning and Global Market Insights, Sanjay Bhan said the company was proud to be the title sponsor for such a landmark tour.
“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 tournament 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."
Archi Gogoi, Head of Brand, Marketing & Growth, 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.”
India’s tour of New Zealand gets underway next Thursday night at Hagley Oval in Christchurch with the first of five T20Is in the Hero VIDA T20I series, Powered by Ai+ Smartphone.