Kolkata: Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia stated on Thursday (August 6) that instead of speculating IPL’s sponsorship deal, organisers should focus on the health and safety of everyone travelling to UAE for the tournament.
The 13th edition of IPL will take place in three cities of UAE — Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from September 19 to November 10. If anyone comes out COVID-19 positive, it could prove disastrous for the league.
“There is much speculation going on. I think it is ridiculous. The only thing we (team owners) know is that the IPL is happening. We are very concerned about the safety of the players and all others involved. Even if there is one case, the IPL could be doomed,” Wadia told PTI. He also said that it was a very foolish decision of the sponsors not to be a part of IPL this season.
“All the sponsors are going to negotiate hard but I will change my name if it is not the most-watched IPL ever. It will be the best ever IPL. You mark my words. Sponsors would be foolish not to be part of IPL this year. It would be a wrong commercial decision on their part to not be a part of the IPL. I truly believe that if I was a sponsor, I would jump right in.”
Meanwhile, BCCI sent out a one-line statement saying VIVO will not be a part of IPL this year. “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd have decided to suspend their partnership for Indian Premier League in 2020,” the press release stated.
The smartphone company, on the other hand, stated the sponsorship is being paused. The statement read, “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Vivo Mobile India Pvt Ltd have mutually decided to pause their partnership for the 2020 season of Indian Premier League.”
