PEPSI-IPL PULL OUT

Pepsi set to end sponsorship deal with IPL

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Pepsi have two years left on their contract with BCCI for IPL sponsorship rights. © Cricbuzz

As reports of the cola giant Pepsi pulling out of their sponsorship of the Indian Premier League with two years still left on their contract began to gather steam, Rajeev Shukla, the chairman of the T20 league, praised Pepsi as being a 'very good partner' and stated that the matter will be brought up in the next BCCI meeting on October 18. BCCI has released an official statement, saying, "BCCI has assured that steps will be taken to address the concerns and will work necessary solutions in the interests of the league as well as Pepsico."

When contacted, PepsiCo mirrored BCCI's sentiments on the issue and told cricbuzz that they would share their concerns after a discussion with the Indian cricket board.

"We are in talks with other sponsors as well, so the title deal with Pepsi is not that big an issue. They have certain points and we are going to settle them amicably in the next meeting. They have been a very good partner all this while and we do not want to disturb our relationship with them. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen in a very smooth manner," Shukla was quoted as saying.

Earlier, an Indian Express report stated that PepsiCo have conveyed their intention of pulling out of sponsorship to IPL CEO Sundar Raman, stating IPL spot-fixing as the key contention for their decision. PepsiCo had paid Rs 396 crore (US $71.77 million) to bag title sponsorship for the league, for the period of 2013 to 2017. The IPL has dealt with sponsorship issues before as well, with DLF Ltd, India's largest real estate firm, not renewing their contract after 2012 with a view to promote other sports.

The report also stated that PepsiCo had sent a notice to BCCI citing their intention to pull out of the sponsorhip deal because the IPL spot-fixing scandal had brought the game to disrepute.

Although the issue was played down by Rajiv Shukla, if PepsiCo do pull out of the sponsorship then it will be one of the most significant impact of the spot-fixing scandal that rocked BCCI a few months ago.

© Cricbuzz