Bengaluru, July 2026: ICS Mobile, one of India’s leading CPaaS and conversational messaging companies, has announced its ownership of Shivamogga Yodhas, a franchise participating in the KSCA Maharaja Trophy 2026, Karnataka’s premier state-level T20 cricket tournament organized by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA).
The move marks a strategic expansion for the company beyond enterprise communications, reinforcing its commitment to supporting high-impact sporting platforms that nurture emerging Indian talent while creating deeper engagement opportunities with consumers and communities.
Founded in 2008 by Abhishek Agarwalla and Himansu Doshi, ICS Mobile has built a significant presence in India’s enterprise communications landscape. The ISO-certified company delivers more than 2 billion communications every month, supports over 50,000 transactions per second, and has a messaging infrastructure capable of processing over 4 crore SMS per hour. The company serves more than 500 premium brands across sectors including Retail, BFSI, healthcare, and FMCG.
Backing a League That Shapes Future Cricket Talent
The KSCA Maharaja Trophy has rapidly established itself as one of India’s most respected state-based T20 competitions since its introduction in 2022. The tournament serves as a crucial talent pipeline for professional cricket, providing a platform for Karnataka’s emerging players to showcase their abilities before IPL franchises and national selectors.
The 2026 edition features six franchise teams representing major cricketing regions across Karnataka and continues to attract significant attention from scouts, broadcasters, and cricket enthusiasts.
As part of its campaign, Shivamogga Yodhas will field a competitive squad featuring IPL-experienced players, including Smaran R, associated with Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Yash Punja, who has been part of the Rajasthan Royals setup. The team will be coached by former Royal Challengers Bengaluru cricketer Bharat Chipli, bringing extensive domestic and franchise cricket experience to the dressing room.
Connecting Technology, Communities and Sports
Industry observers note that corporate participation in domestic sports leagues has increasingly become a strategic avenue for businesses seeking long-term brand engagement while contributing to the development of grassroots talent ecosystems.
With more than 16 years of platform expertise and a client portfolio that includes leading brands 500 + corporate brands, ICS Mobile views sports investments as a natural extension of its commitment to building meaningful connections at scale.
Commenting on the development, Abhishek Agarwalla, Co-Founder and CEO 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.”
A Growing Opportunity in Domestic Cricket
The rise of professionally managed state franchise leagues has transformed India’s domestic cricket landscape, creating stronger pathways between grassroots cricket and elite competition. The Maharaja Trophy, in particular, has earned recognition for its transparent governance, player development focus, and ability to showcase emerging talent on a competitive stage.
As the 2026 season gets underway, Shivamogga Yodhas aims to combine experienced leadership, emerging talent, and professional support systems in pursuit of a strong campaign while contributing to the continued growth of Karnataka cricket.
For ICS Mobile, the franchise ownership represents a long-term investment in a sporting ecosystem that aligns with the company’s values of performance, scale, innovation, and community engagement.
