BCCI announces Vivo as IPL title sponser for next two years

New Delhi: The BCCI on Wednesday said that the IPL’s title sponsorship deal with smartphone manufacturers Vivo is for two years after the company fulfilled its obligation of presenting a bank guarantee. “The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Wednesday announced its association with Vivo, the premium global smartphone manufacturer, for title sponsorship of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Vivo fulfilled their obligation of presenting the bank guarantee to the BCCI and confirmed the title sponsorship rights,” the BCCI said in a statement. [caption id=“attachment_2473016” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Vivo mobiles. Facebook[/caption] Vivo replaces beverage giant PepsiCo as title sponsor of the Twenty20 event, which faced a severe credibility crisis after the 2013 spot-fixing and betting scandal. “In the coming two IPL seasons (2016 and 2017), vivo and IPL will have extensive cooperation in terms of sports events, on-ground activations and marketing campaigns,” the BCCI said. IPL Chairman Rajeev Shukla hoped the new association will work well for the league. “We are delighted to have Vivo joining us as the title sponsor for IPL for next two years. IPL will now be called ‘Vivo IPL.’ They are one of the most innovative smartphone brands in the world and I am sure they will bring fresh energy to IPL,” he said. BCCI Secretary Anurag Thakur said, “We welcome Vivo to IPL. IPL is all about opportunities and the exhibition of talent. Vivo, as a brand, symbolises both. Just like the IPL, in a very short span they have created a niche and legacy in their market. I am sure this will be a long and enriching affiliation for both stakeholders.” PTI