Ness Wadia the co-owner of Kings XI Punjab says that the focus should be made on ensuring that not a single coronavirus case is reported during the IPL as a single positive case can ruin the entire IPL season.
Though BCCI has not confirmed the withdrawal of VIVO from Title sponsorship for this season however it is speculated that the company will back from the 440 crore contract in this season due to the growing tensions between India & China.
“There is much speculation going on. I think it is ridiculous. The only thing the team owners know is that the IPL is happening. We are very concerned about the safety of the players and all others involved. Even if there is one case, the IPL could be doomed,” Wadia told media after the owner’s meeting on Wednesday evening.
After the violent face-off between the Indian & Chinese soldiers in Eastern Ladakh in June, Wadia said that the IPL should move away from Chinese sponsors as it’s against the goodwill of India. Wadia also said that there are enough sponsors to replace the Chinese company if such need arises.
“I don’t know what the BCCI has decided on title sponsorship. All the team owners had a productive meeting and are on the same page to make IPL a success. We need to support the BCCI and will be meeting again soon,” he said.
“All the sponsors are going to negotiate hard but I will change by name if it is not the most watched IPL ever. It will be the best ever IPL. You mark my words. Sponsors would be foolish not to be part of IPL this year.
“It would be a wrong commercial decision on their part to not be a part of the IPL. I truly believe that if I was a sponsor, I would be jump right in.”
The BCCI has sent 16 page SOP to all the franchises so that the IPL could be conducted smoothly with mutual understanding. It requires players, support staff, team officials and owners to be part of a bio-secure environment.
Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia himself is not travelling to the UAE for the upcoming IPL as he can’t compromise on safety.
“We have to adjust and acclimatize to the (bio-secure) environment. One case could kill the IPL. Extraneous circumstances require ordinary people to do extraordinary things,” he added.
