IPL title sponsorship row has gained speed with five companies submitting the Expression of Interest (EOI) on Friday. Tata group, Reliance Jio, Patanjali, Byjus, and Unacademy were the companies that met the Friday deadline for submitting the EOI.

Recently Vivo made exit from the deal of title sponsorship of the cash-rich league after receiving the backlash on social media amid the boycott China campaigns. Thereafter, BCCI has been in search of a title sponsor with some big brands put their interest forward for getting the big deal. Fantasy gaming platforms like Dream 11, My11Circle have also expressed keen interest in getting the title sponsorship.

Tata group a serious player, say sources

According to Hindustan Times, some sources close to this whole development believe that Tata is looking very active to bag the title sponsorship of this cricket extravaganza. “Tata group is a serious player. It may want to make the most of this rare opportunity when IPL is scheduled in a festive season and sponsorship is available just for a year, and at a discount,” the sources said.

Meanwhile, BCCI is taking things on a step by step path and are addressing wider aspects of the sponsorship as can be read in a clause of the EOI.

“BCCI shall not be obliged to award the rights to the third party which indicates a willingness to pay the highest fees in the course of discussions/negotiations with BCCI after submitting an EOI. BCCI’s decision in this regard will also depend on a number of other relevant factors, including but not limited to, the manner in which the third party intends to exploit the rights and the potential impact of the same on-brand IPL.”

Though there are many companies who have shown their interest in getting the sponsorship, it would be seen as to how many submit their bids till 18th August. It would also be likely to be seen as to how far the domestic companies like Patanjali can go for the bid seeing their net worth.

The cricket festival is set to start on 19th September, with the Indian league set to light up the Gulf world this time.