Amidst backlash, VIVO pulls out as title sponsor of IPL 2020: Reports

Tags: IPL 2020

Published on: Aug 04, 2020

In another twist to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 saga, VIVO has pulled out as the title sponsor of this year’s edition, following the massive backlash on social media. On Sunday, BCCI announced that VIVO was retained as title sponsor as it was too late to look for a replacement. However, enraged fans took to social media and criticised the move citing the Galwan Valley clash between India and China, which killed 20 Indian soldiers.

VIVO had shelled out Rs 2,199 crore for a five-year contract back in 2018. Speaking to PTI, an IPL Governing Council member, on Sunday, informed that all the sponsors for IPL 2020 had been retained. "All I can say is that all our sponsors are with us. Hopefully you can read between the lines," he told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

After being postponed twice in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, the BCCI, on Sunday, confirmed that IPL 2020 will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 19 to November 10. The event will be held at three venues in the UAE -- Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

"The Indian Premier League Governing Council (IPL GC) met today via video-conference to decide on the issues concerning the VIVO IPL 2020 edition. Taking note of the prevailing COVID-19 situation in India, the IPL GC decided to stage the tournament in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the matches will be played in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi subject to necessary clearances from the Government of India," the BCCI press release said.

"IPL 2020 will be played from 19th September and the final will be played on 10th November 2020. The 53-day tournament will witness 10-afternoon matches starting at 15:30 IST while the evening matches will start at 19:30 IST," the release further added.

--By A Cricket Correspodent

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