Reports: BCCI planning to bring Vivo back as IPL title sponsor in 2021

Chinese smartphone manufacturing giant Vivo was the title sponsor of the Indian Premier League from 2016 to 2019. However, before IPL 2020, the company pulled out as the sponsor because of some disagreement with the BCCI over the sponsorship fee. 

Another reason why Vivo withdrew was that there was much political tension between India and China. Hence, the Indian fans were against the BCCI’s decision to have Vivo as IPL’s title sponsor. 

In the end, the Indian cricket governing body decided to rope in a new sponsor. They allowed the companies to submit tenders, and ultimately, Dream11 secured the title sponsorship rights. 

Dream11 signed a contract, where the fantasy sports platform had to pay 222 Crores for 2020, 240 Crores for the second year, and 240 Crores for the third year. In case Vivo decided to make its return as a title sponsor, the BCCI would prefer Vivo. This was a part of an agreement with Dream11. 

According to a recent report in Cricbuzz, BCCI is open to having Vivo back as the title sponsor of IPL 2021. However, the Chinese smartphone manufacturing company has not finalized on whether it should sponsor IPL 2021. 

Vivo had acquired the title sponsorship rights for 440 Crores per year in 2018. Because of the above-mentioned controversy, Vivo had to pull out midway of its five-year deal. Due to this reason, BCCI suffered a loss of 217.80 Crores in IPL title sponsorship last year. 

Nevertheless, it will be interesting to see what happens in the IPL title sponsorship developments next. As of now, there has been no official word on this matter. However, the reports claim that BCCI is ready to have Vivo back. 

IPL 2021 will likely happen in March-May. The auction for the 2021 season will take place on February 18 in Chennai.