Chinese Firm Vivo Pulls Out As IPL 2020 Title Sponsor Amid India-China Border Row

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Sunday had decided to continue with their sponsorship commitments with all sponsors of the Indian Premier League including the Chinese brands.

(File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: With the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League knocking our doorsteps, a panicky situation has gripped the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as the Chinese handset major Vivo might walk away from the title sponsorship of IPL T20 tournament this year.  The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Sunday had decided to continue with their sponsorship commitments with all sponsors of the Indian Premier League including the Chinese brands. The IPL Governing Council which met on Sunday decided to stay put with its the flagship T20 leagues title sponsor Vivo and other companies like Paytm and Dream11 which also have Chinese investments. However, the Chinese mobile manufacturing giant is likely to walk out as the title sponsor. According to the reports, the development has come in the backdrop of the ongoing border dispute between India and China on the Eastern front of Ladakh, following which various Chinese firms faced a harsh criticism on social media. Speaking on the development, an IANS report quoted BCCI a official claiming that there is no change in the situation and so, there is no reason to panic. "There's a binding contract and the same would govern the manner in which the two parties interact. See there are lot of small developments that take place on a daily basis in an organisation such as the BCCI but that doesn't mean there's any need to jump the gun. Someone heard some chatter and pressed the panic button somewhat prematurely. Well, these are the kind of things that give you experience," the source aware of the development said, adding that it will address further if there is any change in the situation. BCCI has decided to hold the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League  in Dubai this time considering the COVID-19 situation. The T20 tournament is set to be held in the UAE from September 19. The final match of the tournament will be played on 10 November. The 53-day tournament will witness 10-afternoon matches starting at 15:30 IST while the evening matches will start at 19:30 IST.