Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali Group has ridden the Indian Premier League title sponsorship bid procedure to grab headlines without even spending a penny.
Yes. Without even investing a penny. The Patanjali Group, which fanned speculation with an official’s statement about the company’s interest in the IPL title sponsorship rights, did not even buy the bid papers. But the trick worked. Patanjali was in news for nearly a week.
The brand made headlines along with the key contenders like Tata Group, Unacademy, Byju’s, Dream11 and Reliance.
As all talk about Patanjali had died down following the submission of the expressions of interests on Friday, August 14, Ramdev himself has made an attempt for yet another gain from the opportunity.
The Yoga Guru-turned business tycoon has now said that if no Indian company will bid, Patanjali Ayurvedic Ltd will acquire the rights and not let any Chinese brand grab the opportunity.
The statement, though irrelevant now since his company did not even join the bid process, has given Ramdev’s brand yet another opportunity to grab headlines.
“It is too early to talk about it (IPL title bid) as Patanjali will only come to the forefront if other Indian corporate houses don’t make any bid for the IPL title sponsorship,” Ramdev has told national daily Hindustan Times.
“Patanjali will only make a bid when no other Indian company comes out or is in the fray for IPL title sponsorship deal,” he said.
“There are many Indian firms, corporates and companies that have been investing, sponsoring and associated with international cricket and IPL. People do not want Chinese products or firms to be associated with cricket and other sports, which clearly indicates Indians being vocal for local.
“After Doklam, India-China relations have soured and Indians have realised the nefarious designs of China, so it is imperative we opt for localised indigenous products only.”
The BCCI will be announcing the winning bid for the IPL 2020 naming rights tomorrow (Tuesday). However, it is expected that the decision will be made by the end of the day today (Monday).
The IPL 2020 will be played in the UAE from September 19 to November 10.