One positive case of Covid-19 and IPL could be doomed: Kings XI Punjab co-owner

Though the BCCI has not confirmed that Chinese mobile phone maker Vivo has pulled out of title sponsorship for this season, it is likely that the company will back out from the Rs 440 crore per year contract at least this season given the soaring Sino-India diplomatic tensions.

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Thursday stressed the need for the organisers to focus on ensuring health safety for everyone who will be travelling to the UAE for the tournament. The 13th edition of IPL will take place from September 19th and November 10th in three cities of UAE - Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. Wadia, in an interview, said that the there could be serious repercussions even if a single case is reported during the tournament.

Mumbai Indians (MI) player Jasprit Bumrah with his teammates celebrate the wicket of CSK player Ambati Rayudu during the IPL final match between Mumbai Indians and CSK at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. (Kunal Patil/HT Photo)

Wadia, in the interview, was asked about the speculation regarding IPL’s sponsorship deal with Chinese mobile phone manufacturers VIVO. “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 after the owners’ meeting on Wednesday evening.

IPL 2020 Full Coverage

Meanwhile, the BCCI on Thursday suspended the IPL title sponsorship deal with Chinese mobile phone company Vivo for the event’s upcoming edition amid the Sino-India border face-off. The board sent out a one-line statement, without giving any details, to say that Vivo will not be associated with the IPL this year.

The company, on its part, stated that the association is being paused. “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,” it stated.

(With PTI inputs)