 "CSK loses Usha International as sponsor")
The company’s logo would now be seen on the caps of Mumbai Indians (MI) players as it has signed a sponsorship deal with the Mumbai franchise, sources in the industry told Business Standard.
“Usha will be one of the principal sponsors. The year-long deal will not only give the brand prominent space on the side of the MI cap, but will also give Usha access to the players for their promotional campaigns and communication. The deal is said to be in the range of Rs 2.75-3 crore for a year,” say sources close to the development.
Executives at Mumbai Indians and Usha International were not available for comment.
Apart from Usha, MI has Videcon d2h as a principal sponsor, along with DHFL, Bridgestone and Dheeraj Realty as associate sponsors. Disney, Air India, Royal Stag, Kingfisher, Adidas, Fever 104 FM, DDB Videocon, Radio City and BookMyShow comprise of the team’s official partners.
Usha might not be the only brand that has opted not to renew contracts with CSK. Sources reveal Japanese car manufacturer Nissan would be staying away from the Indian Premier League. The brand was seen on the leading sleeve of players from four teams last year, but this year, has opted to abstain from sponsoring any franchises.
A spokesperson for the car manufacturer said, "Till last year, we were involved in the IPL through our association with Hoover Automotive which had taken the sponsorship for the teams. This year, we have ended our deal with the agency and do not intend to get involved with the IPL in any capacity."
CSK however, has managed to retain its main sponsors - telecom operator Aircel, sports goods manufacturerand marketer Reebok, Gulf Oil and Pepsico (7Up).
The franchise has been in the news since last year when team principal Gurunath Meiyyapan was implicated in the spot fixing and betting scandal. Consequently, ex-Board for Control of Cricket in India president N Srnivasan was also dragged into the controversy due to conflict of interest since Meiyyapan is his son-in-law. Also, Srinivasan is the MD of India Cements which is the company that own CSK.
Last week, during the proceedings of the case against Srinivasan, the Supreme Court suggested that the two franchises - Rajasthan Royals and CSK, involved in the match fixing scandal should be banned from the IPL. However, in an interim order the next day. The apex court said that the two teams will be allowed to play this year.
The damage may already have been done though since the court observations and subsequent interim order has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the future of the two teams.