New Delhi: The Swadeshi Jagaran Manch (SJM), Kerala and the Centre for Policy and Development Studies (CPDS), namely two bodies which are close to the ideology preached by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, on Saturday expressed their displeasure over the statement by BCCI Joint Secretary Jayesh George on the apex cricket board continuing with the sponsorship of a Chinese company after the tragic incident which unfolded at the Galwan Valley clash in the Ladakh sector.

It is notable that VIVO is the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League and the BCCI also has sponsorship commitments with other Chinese companies.

George, a former president of the Kerala Cricket Association had expressed his opinion in the media, stating that snapping of sponsorship ties with Chinese companies would lead to a massive loss for the BCCI and could also invite penal action.

SJM Kerala Convenor Ranjit Karthikeyan and the CPDS Director Rajeev said that while the country is fighting against the Chinese after the killing of twenty brave Indian soldiers, the irresponsible statement by a person like George was highly deplorable and anti-national.

"Does George have any mandate to speak on behalf of the BCCI in the media," asked the two office bearers and added that the BCCI owes an explanation and they will take this up at the highest level in the Government of India."

Taking to Twitter, BCCI wrote: "Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL's various sponsorship deals."

Twenty Indian Army men, including officers, were killed in an unprecedented violent clash with Chinese People's Liberation Army troops in the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on June 15.