PepsiCo gets on roll with four year deal, to sponsor one-day international and test matches

PepsiCo is back on the cricket pitch by bagging a four-year contract to become a ground sponsor for all one-day international and test matches to be played in India.

The deal was signed between PepsiCo and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) earlier this week, said officials who were directly aware of the development.

Pepsi cola and Lay's snacks maker plans to display its sports drink brand Gatorade prominently on the ground, company officials said.

A formal announcement is expected over the next few days.

PepsiCo had in October last year terminated its five-year contract as title sponsor for the IPL two years ahead of schedule on ethical concerns after a series of match fixing and betting scandals hit the cash-rich Twenty20 tournament, which ultimately led to suspension of two popular teams, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, for two years.

Chinese mobile phone maker Vivo has replaced PepsiCo as IPL title sponsor for two years. An official directly aware of the development said, "PepsiCo is keen on cricket and it has picked up one of the sponsorship slots for cricket to be played in India. The firm disassociated itself with the IPL on ethics ground but it was clear it would return to cricket on other platforms.