IPL 2021 Auction: VIVO Returns as Title Sponsor, Confirms Brijesh Patel

VIVO replaces Dream11 as the title sponsor for IPL 14. 

IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel welcomed all the franchises for the IPL auction on Thursday and straightaway made the big announcement. Patel said that Chinese mobile manufacturing giant VIVO has come back as the title sponsors after pulling out at the last-minute during the last season.

“To get things underway, I want to start by welcoming VIVO back as the title sponsor for the upcoming season of the IPL. With VIVO, we have had a long association and we are glad to have them with us,” he said.

VIVO had pulled out of the tournament as title sponsor last year following a backlash after Indian soldiers by martyred by their Chinese counterparts at the Galwan Valley.

VIVO replaces Dream11 as the title sponsor for IPL 14.

During his address, he lavished praise on T Natarajan – who made his debut in Australia and helped the team in crucial situations. Patel said that players like Natarajan are an example of what happens when talent meets opportunity.

“The IPL has been unearthing players who have gone on to make amends. The classical example being T. Natarajan who started as a net bowler and went on to be a part of the winning squad. Talent meets opportunity,” he praised the Indian pacer.

Reports suggest that IPL would be held in India but there is no confirmation on that as yet. The tentative date for the tournament is April 11 but again the confirmation is awaited.

It would be interesting to see the new faces that get a deal at the auction. Eyes would be on Arjun Tendulkar who is making his debut at the auction.

(To be updated)