The BCCI is set to roll out new tender after the return of VIVO seems highly unlikely as the IPL 2021 sponsor. It is, however, open to the return of the Chinese mobile company into the sponsorship fold.  As per a report in Cricbuzz, the BCCI is open to the return of VIVO as the title sponsor for the 14th edition of the league as well as the coming seasons, as iterated in the contract. BCCI is still looking for a sponsor before IPL 2021 auctions on February 18. 

Meanwhile, as per a new report in InsideSport, the return of VIVO as the official title sponsor for IPL 2021 seems highly unlikely which is why the BCCI has decided to roll out the new tenders for sponsorship.

Also Read: BCCI Open To VIVO’s Return As IPL 2021 Sponsor – Reports

VIVO Highly Unlikely As IPL 2021 Sponsors: BCCI Official

“Tender for the new title sponsor is the only feasible option currently available. The IPL 2020 deal was almost half and we can’t continue with the same. Going back to VIVO also is highly unlikely in the current situation. The final decision on the new tender and title sponsor will be taken soon”, a BCCI official InsideSport.

In case the board does not manage to get the sponsorship rights, the auction will go ahead without a sponsor. As per reports, the BCCI offered Dream 11 another opportunity to bid for the sponsorship rights but the fantasy sports platform has denied the offer. 

China-based smartphone brand, VIVO, acquired the title sponsorship rights for the T20 league starting 2018 for INR 440 crore per year for five seasons. The political fallout between India and China on the Galwan valley border, however, resulted in the rise of anti-China sentiments in the country. Dream 11 replaced VIVO as the title sponsor for Season 13 but paid only INR 222 crore which is half the sum VIVO had agreed on.

Also Read: IPL 2021: BCCI To Decide On Venue Post Auction On February 18 In Chennai