CAIT to oppose IPL 2020 'tooth and nail' after BCCI retains China's Vivo as sponsor

Ahead of Indian Premier League's commencement, BCCI has decided to retain all major sponsors of league, including Chinese smartphone giant, Vivo. National Secretary General of CAIT Praveen Khandelwal on Monday criticised decision and stated that trade body will oppose decision. IPL Governing Council's decision to keep Chinese company as a sponsor for much-awaited IPL in UAE has come under flak from certain quarters over recent tensions with China.

CAIT to oppose BCCI decision over IPL sponsors

apex traders' body has decided that it will oppose inclusion of Chinese sponsors in country's ace cricket league. Terming move as 'lust for money', Praveen Khandelwal also questioned over IPL being held even as several countries grapple with pandemic. Khandelwal concluded by stating that CAIT has decided to oppose IPL 'tooth & nail'. 

"BCCI-VIVO depict as lust for money.Why are Chinese companies so dear to BCCI ? Due to COVID, Olympics & Wimbeldon can be cancelled n why t IPL? This is BCCI's arrogance and CAIT will oppose tooth & nail" said Praveen Khandelwal on Twitter. 

"It’s thing but greed of money and depict that for BCCI re is critical crisis." Khandelwal added. 

READ: Omar Abdullah Slams IPL Over Sponsor Vivo; Calls Those Who Threw Away Chinese TVs 'idiots'

Omar Abdullah Slams IPL over Vivo sponsor

Earlier on Sunday, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah too slammed IPL over development. Abdullah stated that even as people have taken to boycott Chinese goods, Chinese cellphone makers will continue as title sponsors of IPL. 

"It’s wonder China is thumbing it’s se at us when we are so confused about how to handle Chinese money/investment/sponsorship/advertising," wrote Omar on Twitter.

READ: IPL 2020 Sponsors: #BoycottIPL Trends On Twitter After BCCI Retains VIVO Deal

IPL to set to begin on September 19

13th edition of Indian Premier League is all set to begin on September 19 in UAE. tournament, which was earlier postponed due to Coronavirus pandemic, will be held till vember 8. participating teams will travel to Middle-Eastern country 25 days ahead of  first match to enter bio-secure bubble. Earlier, seventh season of IPL, in 2014, was held in UAE where Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) emerged as champions. A part of tournament was held outside India due to 2014 General elections being held at same time. This will be third time IPL will be hosted outside country.   

READ: BCCI Gets Govt's d To Hold IPL 2020 In UAE; GC Allows COVID Substitutes, Vivo As Sponsor