Rather than speculate on the sponsorship of the IPL title, Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia says the focus should be on ensuring that not a single case of Covid-19 is reported during the event, which he claims, it will be the “best ever”.
Although the BCCI has not confirmed that the Chinese mobile phone maker Vivo has withdrawn from the main sponsorship for this season, the company is likely to withdraw from the 440 million rupees-per-year contracts at least this season, given the very high diplomatic level. between China and India. tensions.
“There is a lot of speculation. I think it’s ridiculous. The only thing that we (the team owners) know is that the IPL is happening. We are very concerned about the safety of the players and everyone else involved. Even if there is a case, the IPL could be doomed, “Wadia told PTI after the owner’s meeting Wednesday night.
Following the “violent clash” between Indian and Chinese soldiers in eastern Ladakh in June, Wadia had said the IPL should gradually move away from Chinese backers.
Regardless of Vivo’s future at the IPL, Wadia said there are enough sponsors to replace the Chinese company if such a need arises. “I don’t know what the BCCI has decided on the sponsorship of the title. All team owners had a productive meeting and are on the same page to make IPL a success. We need to support the BCCI and we will meet again soon, ”he said.
In today’s economic climate, Wadia expects sponsors, whether the team or IPL, to bargain hard.
“All the sponsors are going to negotiate hard, but I will change my name if it is not the most-watched IPL in history. It will be the best IPL ever. Remember my words. Sponsors would be foolish if they weren’t part of IPL this year. It would be an incorrect business decision on your part not to join the IPL. I really think that if I were a sponsor, I would be ready to participate. ”
The BCCI has sent a comprehensive 16 page SOP to the teams to keep the tournament running smoothly. It requires players, support personnel, team officials, and owners to be part of a biosecure environment.
Wadia himself has not decided to travel to the UAE for the IPL but said that security cannot be compromised. “We have to adapt and acclimatize to the environment (bio-insurance). One case could kill the IPL. Strange circumstances require ordinary people to do extraordinary things, ”he added.
She is a freelance blogger, writer, and speaker, and writes for various entertainment magazines.