The Believer: Kaviya Kalanithi Maran, Head of Sports, Sunrisers

She believes. She achieves.

It’s a historic win, again! Kaviya Maran’s Sunrisers Eastern Cape clinched the 2025-26 SA20 title by defeating Pretoria Capitals in the final match in Cape Town. Eastern Cape is the most successful team in SA20 history.

In the SA20, Maran’s team had success with four finals and three trophies, “The focus now extends beyond performance. We want to use the platform to give back to the sport by supporting grassroots development, ensuring young cricketers get access to world-class coaching and facilities, while contributing to the long-term growth of cricket in the region,” says Kaviya Kalanithi Maran, executive director, Sun TV Network Limited and head of sports, Sunrisers.

Her goal is not just expansion, but creating a connected global ecosystem that respects local contexts. Maran, the face of Sunrisers Hyderabad – the Indian Premier League (IPL) team owned by Kalanithi Maran’s Sun Group – is linked with two more global cricket leagues: The Hundred, a professional franchise 100-ball cricket tournament in the U.K; and the SA20, South Africa’s premier professional T20 franchise cricket league.

Owning cricket teams in three different countries present an incredible opportunity to create a seamless pipeline for talent development and global brand expansion. “Each cricketing nation has its own strengths, and by having a presence in multiple leagues, we can create synergies that benefit players, fans, and the sport itself,” she adds.

Each market has its own audience, culture, and expectations and she is conscious of respecting those differences rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

“In The Hundred, our immediate priority is to establish the strength and credibility of the Sunrisers brand in the UK market. We want to build a franchise that feels authentic and competitive from the outset, with a strong local identity,” she continues.

In 2026, Maran’s focus will be on strengthening the global footprint while remaining deeply committed to performance and values.

“We are looking at how we can deepen our presence in existing markets while selectively exploring new opportunities that align with our long-term vision. Most importantly, at Sunrisers, we want our trophy cabinet to reflect a winning culture that blends success with impact. We wish to leave behind a cricketing ecosystem that is more inclusive, forward-thinking, and commercially strong.”

Her interest in cricket was a gradual journey. Once Sun Group acquired the Hyderabad franchise, she grew increasingly attached to the sport. Over time, it became more than just business for her, being closely involved with the franchise and the overall ecosystem deepened her understanding and passion for cricket. “That growing connection and sense of responsibility eventually led me to take on a leadership role in Sun Group’s sports division,” she recalls.

Her association with the legacy of Sun Group helped her build an unshakable foundation, but it also carries expectations. “My approach has been to understand what has worked over time and build on it thoughtfully. I act as a bridge between tradition and transformation – respecting the past while helping shape the future,” she says.

The success mantra lies in a balanced approach, “We believe that success on the field is sustainable only when it is supported by the right values off the field. We compete aggressively on performance and strategy, but never at the cost of integrity. That balance is what makes the business sustainable and credible.”