No Chinese brands for IPL title rights, BCCI hints in tender document

BCCI has indirectly stated that it won’t entertain bids from Chinese companies or brands for the title sponsorship of IPL. This precautionary measure aims to prevent associations with companies from nations with strained bilateral relations with India.

On December 12, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) unveiled the Invitation to Tender for Title Sponsor Rights for the Indian Premier League (IPL) Seasons 2024-2028, setting the reserve price for the rights at Rs 360 crore per year.

Citing a clause in the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document, the Cricbuzz report stated, "Each bidder which is a corporate entity must not be incorporated in a jurisdiction/territory with which India does not have a friendly relation. In the event, any corporate(s) which is a shareholder or a proposed shareholder in the Bidder is incorporated in a jurisdiction/territory with which India does not have friendly relations, the Bidder will be required to provide a detailed chart of the shareholding in such Bidder or it ultimate Parent Company and the details of ultimate owners/beneficiaries of all shareholders which are body corporate in such Bidder or its ultimate Parent Company along with the Bid Documents as material obligations."

Tata held the IPL title sponsorship rights till the end of the 2023 season.

The BCCI's position appears to be a response to public criticism following the selection of the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo as the title sponsor. This issue intensified after the border stand-off between India and China. Ultimately, Vivo decided to withdraw from the five-year sponsorship agreement, ceding the rights to the Tata Group.

BCCI has also listed some prohibited brand categories such as alcohol products, betting, cryptocurrency, real money gaming (not including fantasy sports) gaming, tobacco and one which is likely to offend public morals such as, including but not limited to, pornography.

“Bidders operating/engaged directly or indirectly in athleisure, performance wear and sportswear," will not be eligible, as mentioned in the ITT.

The ITT further declared a prohibition on companies based in tax havens, specifically citing countries such as Mauritius and the British Virgin Islands.

Info@BestMediaInfo.com