Mumbai, Dec 26: In a quest for a new title sponsor for the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has laid down stringent conditions for potential bidders, said a report.
Notably, the BCCI has expressed reluctance to entertain bids from Chinese companies or brands, citing concerns about associations with nations lacking friendly relations with India.
“While specific countries or brands have not been mentioned explicitly, the BCCI’s decision stems from the public backlash and a negative experience with Vivo, a Chinese smartphone maker. This situation arose in the aftermath of the border standoff between India and China. Subsequently, Vivo chose to exit from the five-year sponsorship agreement, relinquishing the rights to the Tata Group,” as quoted by Cricbuzz.
A crucial clause in the Invitation to Tender (ITT) reads, “Each bidder which is a corporate entity must not be incorporated in a jurisdiction/territory with which India does not have a friendly relation. In the event, any corporate(s) which is a shareholder or a proposed shareholder in the Bidder is incorporated in a jurisdiction/territory with which India does not have friendly relations, the Bidder will be required to provide a detailed chart Bidder. (IANS)
