CIO Lounge presents
CIO Pickleball League India Tour
India's premier pickleball league for IT leaders, where technology meets sports, networking and lifestyle.
Mumbai · Delhi · Bangalore · Hyderabad · Chennai · Ahmedabad · Pune (optional)
Mumbai League opens in
About the league
Designed to become the IPL of corporate pickleball
- India's first multi-city pickleball championship exclusively for technology leaders.
- A national sporting ecosystem where IT leaders compete, network and build lasting relationships.
- Every city crowns its champion before the National Grand Finale in Goa, Phuket or Sri Lanka.
- Open to CIOs, CTOs and CISOs only: the top layer, not one level below.
About pickleball
One of the world's fastest-growing sports
It combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, and has become one of the fastest-growing sports across the USA, Europe and now India.
- Easy to learn
- Suitable for all age groups
- Low impact on joints
- Highly social
- Fast-paced and exciting
- Great for fitness and wellness
The India Tour
Seven cities, one national champion
Mumbai opens the tour in the first week of November 2026. Other city dates will be announced.
Mumbai league format
8 teams · 8 players per team · 64 players
Played to international style, with a tournament director and referees appointed by the All India Pickleball Association.
- 01
League stage
Two groups of four. Every team plays each team in its group twice. Each player plays at least two matches, at most two.
- 02
Super Four
The top two teams from each group play one round robin (three matches each). No player plays more than once.
- 03
Playoffs
Match 1: 1st v 2nd → Qualifier 1. Match 2: 3rd v 4th. Eliminator: loser of Match 1 v winner of Match 2 → Qualifier 2.
- 04
Final
Qualifier 1 v Qualifier 2. From the playoffs on, captains decide who plays each match.
Podium: 1st: Final winner · 2nd: Final runner-up · 3rd: Eliminator loser.
Every player receives
A personalised kit worth ₹25–30K
A fully personalised, CIO Lounge–branded kit from recognised sports brands, packed and ready for game day.
- T-shirt with your name
- Shorts
- Professional shoes
- Branded paddle
- Water bottle
- Sports bag
- Towel
Run to international standards
Partners and coaching
All India Pickleball Association
Tournament partner: appoints the tournament director and a referee in every city, and sets the rules we play by.
Vrushali Thakare
National gold medallist and brand ambassador, on the ground in every city and at the Grand Finale.
ITC and Taj
Hospitality partners for the wellness zone and food and beverage court.
Certified coaches
Friday-to-Sunday pre-season training at Navi Mumbai, Lower Parel, Malad and Thane.
Game day experience
Sports, business and lifestyle in one day
ONE DAY · ONE LEAGUE · ONE UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
Fun for the entire family · optional
A perfect weekend outing
Sponsorship opportunities
Every category includes branding, networking and engagement
Sponsors play alongside CIOs: there is no wall between sponsor and delegate.
One for the entire tour
Title
₹5 lakh× number of cities
- Exclusive rights for the India Tour
- Premium branding at every level
- Premium position on T-shirt and player kit
- 5 passes for each location
- 7 CXO invites per location (player fees apply)
- 20-CXO breakfast roundtable in every city
One per city
Platinum
₹4 lakhper city
- City-wise rights for the league
- Premium city-wise branding
- Branding on T-shirt and player kit
- 3 passes for the selected city
- 5 CXO invites per location (player fees apply)
- 10-CXO breakfast roundtable for selected locations
- 10% discount for more than one city
Eight per city
Team Partner
₹3 lakhper city
- Branding for your team
- Branding on the team T-shirt
- 2 passes for the selected city
- 3 CXO invites per location (player fees apply)
- 10% discount for more than one city
Eight per city
Associate Partner
₹1 lakhper city
- Branding on tournament day
- 1 pass for each location
CXO invites: player fees apply. Grand Finale sponsorship is priced separately.
Beyond the court
Roundtable discussions
Exclusive sessions with a select group of 10, 15, 20 or all IT leaders.
Beyond the court
Executive networking
Choose your slots: breakfast, executive luncheons, cocktails and dinner.
Beyond the court
Product showcases
Direct brand and product exposure to decision-makers.
September and October 2026
Registration, coaching and team selection are under way.
Mumbai League: first week of November, Saturday or Sunday.