VIVO replaces PepsiCo as new IPL title sponsor

PepsiCo ended their contract prematurely citing legitimacy issues as the problem

BCCI’s latest working committee meeting on Sunday confirmed PepsiCo’s backing out as Indian Premier League (IPL) title sponsors. However, Indian cricket’s governing body has found an immediate replacement for it’s property. VIVO mobiles, a Chinese company, looking to expand it’s market in India, will be paying the same money as Pepsi, for the next two years.

A BCCI official told Sportskeeda, “We tried to figure out a solution with PepsiCo officials, but they were adamant on cutting all ties with us. A lot of companies had contacted us regarding Title sponsorship, but VIVO seemed the most eager. Rest of the details you will be able to find out in the next few days.”

The main agenda of the meeting was to announce PepsiCo’s replacement and also to narrow down on a date for the Annual General Meeting (AGM). According to sources, the likely date for the AGM is November 9. It was also decided that no paid commentator’s can be a part of the BCCI or IPL Governing Council (IPLGC). This was a clear indication that neither Ravi Shastri or Sunil Gavaskar will be allowed in the setup.

In fact, it was also decided that, three financial analysts will be included in the IPL GC, for better functioning. The source stated, “The BCCI was often criticised for this commentator debacle, so we got together and decided to make a clear cut rule against it.” In another important development, it has been decided that the BCCI President cannot veto players chosen by National selectors.

Earlier in 2012, Five selectors wanted to drop current Indian Captain MS Dhoni from the side. However, then President N Srinivasan used his veto power to reinstate Dhoni. It has also been conveyed that bidding for two fresh teams for IPL 9 will begin soon. This comes in the wake of the ban handed over to Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings, over their involvement in the spot-fixing scandal.

However, sources have said, that thre are no immediate plans to scrap both the teams. They are set to be reinstated, after they complete their two-year ban. Also, the BCCI office will now be shifted to Mumbai.