Virat Kohli to end deal with PUMA? Here's what the company has to say

After it was reported that Virat Kohli is set to end his long-standing deal with PUMA, the company has come out with a statement to refute the claims. In a brief statement. Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India said, “PUMA’s relationship with Virat Kohli is long-standing and continues.” Kohli inked a deal with PUMA, one of the biggest sports brands, in the world in 2017 for a reported fee of Rs 110 crore. The Kohli-PUMA deal was seen as one of the most significant partnerships between a sports star and a sports brand in India as PUMA emerged as one of the favourites for Indians. Kohli has also launched a lifestyle brand ‘One8’ under the partnership of PUMA. “It’s a privilege to be part of a great list of athletes that Puma has. Not just today’s icons like Usain Bolt but also the brand’s rich history with Pele, Maradona, Thierry Henry, and others,” Virat Kohli had said in 2017 after signing for PUMA.

However, it was reported on Wednesday that Kohli is now ready to move on after a seven-year partnership and would be the new face of Agilitas Sports Pvt Ltd. He wouldn’t just endorse the brand but is also expected to own a stake in the company. Agilitas Sports has been founded by former PUMA India Managing Director Abhishek Ganguly in May 2023.