Reports: BCCI Keen To Rope In Vivo As Title Sponsor For IPL 2021

The preparations for the 14th season of the Indian Premier League [IPL] is in full flow following the submission of retained players list by each of the eight franchises.

The BCCI has even declared the date of the mini-auction ahead of the 2021 edition of the cash-rich league. The auction will take place in Chennai on February 18.

And, while the apex cricketing body has kept the United Arab Emirates as a backup venue, there is still no official word regarding the tournament’s title sponsor.

The China-based smartphone brand Vivo had signed a five year deal with the BCCI worth Rs 440 Crores back in 2018. However, with tensions escalating between the Indian and Chinese army at the Galwan Valley last year, an anti-China sentiment grew across the nation which led to Vivo pulling out of the 2020 edition and putting a ‘pause’ on the deal.

In the absence of Vivo, fantasy-based platform Dream11 stepped-in but it only paid Rs 222 Crores. According to a report in CricBuzz, the BCCI is open to Vivo returning for IPL 2021 and the subsequent seasons.

According to the same report, the BCCI had given Dream11 an opportunity to bid for a higher amount for the 14th season and the subsequent edition. However, the fantasy platform wasn’t keen to offer a sum beyond Rs 222 Crores.

As it stands, the BCCI is still on the lookout for the title sponsor of IPL 2021.

Also Read: BCCI Keeps UAE On Standby For The Venue Of IPL 2021