As soon as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020</a> was confirmed after the completion of IPL Governing Council meeting on Sunday, anger grew on social media platforms regarding the sponsors for the tournament, especially the ones with Chinese links, given the political tensions between India and China. Now, IPL and Vivo are set to sever ties, at least for the 13th edition of IPL, given the outrage and&nbsp;negativity on social media platforms.&nbsp;

While fans were happy to know that the best T20 tournament in the world is going to take place after continuous postponement due to COVID-19 pandemic, many were left disappointed to know that the BCCI decided to continue its contract with Chinese companies, including the title sponsor – Vivo – a Chinese mobile manufacturing giant.&nbsp;

As per a report in TOI, one of the franchise called up other seven franchises on Monday evening to inform them that the league’s title sponsors – Vivo – are on the cusp on exiting, at least for the 13th edition of IPL, scheduled to take place from September 19 to November 10 in the UAE.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipls-million-dollar-chinese-connection-317927" hreflang="en">IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection</a>

Vivo India has been the central of widespread criticism on social media after the BCCI said it would be retaining all its sponsors for the 2020 edition of the tournament. The BCCI too was hit by criticism.

Furthermore, the Indian government has already banned a speficin number of Chinese applications given the border skirmish between the two countries. The report also stated that the Indian board is “miffed” that one franchise took it upon itself to convery the development without consulting it with the BCCI.

"Was it not the franchise's duty to consult with BCCI first?" ask those in the know as per TOI.

Now, the immediate focus of the BCCI shifts to finding a suitable replacement for Vivo, should the exit be confirmed. An official decision is likely in the next 24 hours but the franchises have been left worrid about compensation.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-on-ipl-2020-csk-and-ms-dhoni-and-india-series-316501" hreflang="en">WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series</a>

Vivo India had bagged the IPL title sponsorship rights in 2017 for Rs 2199 crore, committing to pay the league approximately Rs 440 crore every season, for a five-year deal.

As per the report, Vivo India are also looking to walk away from the contract given the massive negativity towards the brand in the Indian social media circuit.

"Even if the Board can get a replacement at 50% of the value, it'll be an achievement. Anything more than that will actually be a shot in the arm. Let's hope things settle amicably. The IPL has been planned and everything's set," industry stakeholders opined as per the report. 
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As soon as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was confirmed after the completion of IPL Governing Council meeting on Sunday, anger grew on social media platforms regarding the sponsors for the tournament, especially the ones with Chinese links, given the political tensions between India and China.

As soon as the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 was confirmed after the completion of IPL Governing Council meeting on Sunday, anger grew on social media platforms regarding the sponsors for the tournament, especially the ones with Chinese links, given the political tensions between India and China. Now, IPL and Vivo are set to sever ties, at least for the 13th edition of IPL, given the outrage and negativity on social media platforms. While fans were happy to know that the best T20 tournament in the world is going to take place after continuous postponement due to COVID-19 pandemic, many were left disappointed to know that the BCCI decided to continue its contract with Chinese companies, including the title sponsor – Vivo – a Chinese mobile manufacturing giant. As per a report in TOI, one of the franchise called up other seven franchises on Monday evening to inform them that the league’s title sponsors – Vivo – are on the cusp on exiting, at least for the 13th edition of IPL, scheduled to take place from September 19 to November 10 in the UAE. ALSO READ: IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection Vivo India has been the central of widespread criticism on social media after the BCCI said it would be retaining all its sponsors for the 2020 edition of the tournament. The BCCI too was hit by criticism. Furthermore, the Indian government has already banned a speficin number of Chinese applications given the border skirmish between the two countries. The report also stated that the Indian board is “miffed” that one franchise took it upon itself to convery the development without consulting it with the BCCI. "Was it not the franchise's duty to consult with BCCI first?" ask those in the know as per TOI. Now, the immediate focus of the BCCI shifts to finding a suitable replacement for Vivo, should the exit be confirmed. An official decision is likely in the next 24 hours but the franchises have been left worrid about compensation. ALSO READ: WION Exclusive: Australia's Josh Hazlewood on IPL 2020, CSK and MS Dhoni and India series Vivo India had bagged the IPL title sponsorship rights in 2017 for Rs 2199 crore, committing to pay the league approximately Rs 440 crore every season, for a five-year deal. As per the report, Vivo India are also looking to walk away from the contract given the massive negativity towards the brand in the Indian social media circuit. "Even if the Board can get a replacement at 50% of the value, it'll be an achievement. Anything more than that will actually be a shot in the arm. Let's hope things settle amicably. The IPL has been planned and everything's set," industry stakeholders opined as per the report.

Chinese sponsors Vivo likely to make IPL exit as panic grips BCCI: Report

It is the biggest cricket tournament of the year. The Indian Premier League. A festival for the fans. A money minter for the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) - the biggest cricket board in the world.

But, the IPL is facing boycott calls this year. Because, the BCCI won’t dump a Chinese sponsor. Vivo – a Chinese smartphone company is the title sponsor of the tournament. Come September - its logo will be plastered all over IPL venues in the UAE.

At a time - when China isn’t willing to back down from the border. After the PLA launched an unprovoked attack on Indian soldiers. 20 Indian soldiers had died in June. India retaliated --- by punishing Chinese companies. Indian citizens are boycotting Chinese products.

But India’s biggest cricket tournament - will not dump Vivo. A Chinese brand.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2020-in-uae-from-match-timings-to-womens-ipl-key-takeaways-from-ipl-gc-meeting-317694" hreflang="en">IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting</a>

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/boycottipl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#boycottipl</a> 
I'm a huge IPL fan, especially <a href="https://twitter.com/mipaltan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mipaltan</a>. But I won't watch until they change this decision.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/Hozsz7yzuO">pic.twitter.com/Hozsz7yzuO</a>
— Soham Parmar (@Defier_52) <a href="https://twitter.com/Defier_52/status/1289988276183371776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Indian Premier League (IPL) is a business &amp; those running this biz are insensitive towards the nation and it’s security concerns. Whole world is boycotting China, IPL is sheltering them. They should understand that nothing is above nation, not even cricket. Ppl may <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottIPL</a> <a href="https://t.co/6nyjJ1nCSE">https://t.co/6nyjJ1nCSE</a>
— ASHWANI MAHAJAN (@ashwani_mahajan) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashwani_mahajan/status/1290000344928227329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoycottIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoycottIPL</a> 
 
Shame on you <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://t.co/8a6IYebjzL">pic.twitter.com/8a6IYebjzL</a>
— Raghu shukla 🇮🇳👳 (@Raghushukla13) <a href="https://twitter.com/Raghushukla13/status/1290061876957650944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Needless to say - this decision hasn’t gone down well with a large section of Indians. From the politicians to citizens, they all have slammed the BCCI. The opposition has latched onto the issue to take on the government. On twitter, angry fans started a hashtag -- boycott IPL.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-marnus-labuschagne-thriving-to-be-the-best-316956" hreflang="en">Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best</a>

Confederation of All India Traders have written to the government. The letter has gone to Home Minister Amit shah --- as well as External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. They claim that BCCI decision “smacks of its lust for money”. The confederation wants the permission to the BCCI withdrawn.

The IPL starts on the 19th of September. The tournament will be moved to the UAE this year. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah will be the three venues for the money-spinning tournament.

<h2>Why can’t the BCCI dump Vivo?</h2>

Since 2018 --- the board received close to INR 3,300 crores for media rights. More than 400 million dollars. It earns 700 crores in sponsorships. That's 93 million dollars. Vivo pays the board 440 crores for the title sponsorship per year. Or 58 million dollars. All of this, doesn’t go into BCCI’s pocket.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-australias-josh-hazlewood-opens-up-on-england-and-india-series-ipl-2020-injuries-and-more-316469" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more</a>

Half of the revenue from the IPL. is distributed to the eight franchises. After doing that --- the BCCI is left with around two thousand crores as income. Or 265 million dollars.

That’s the kind of money that the BCCI makes from the tournament. It can afford to let go of the 440 crores from Vivo.

But, it hasn’t. Reportedly, it was too late for the BCCI to take a call. There are also fears of legal liabilities too. In 2018, Vivo had secured the title sponsorship for the IPL for five years. With a mammoth bid of INR 2,199 crores. That's close to $300 million.

Allegedly - the exit clause in the contract favours the Chinese company.&nbsp;Cricket is more than a sport for India. It is a religion. You must have heard that often.

But, it is also a diplomatic tool. Used to send a message to India’s adversaries. The Indian cricket team doesn’t play with Pakistan. Pakistani players are banned from the IPL.

In 2017, Pakistani commentators were banned too. Why can’t Chinese sponsors be given the boot? How much money is enough for the richest cricket board in the world?

According to a report --- the BCCI had more than five thousand crores as cash and bank balances in its 2018 balance sheets.

That's more than 600 million dollars. A little more than two thousand crores was in the form of fixed deposits. In comparison, the money from the vivo sponsorship is pocket change. Something that the bcci won’t miss from its balance sheets. 
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It is the biggest cricket tournament of the year. The Indian Premier League. A festival for the fans. A money minter for the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) - the biggest cricket board in the world.

It is the biggest cricket tournament of the year. The Indian Premier League. A festival for the fans. A money minter for the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) - the biggest cricket board in the world. But, the IPL is facing boycott calls this year. Because, the BCCI won’t dump a Chinese sponsor. Vivo – a Chinese smartphone company is the title sponsor of the tournament. Come September - its logo will be plastered all over IPL venues in the UAE. At a time - when China isn’t willing to back down from the border. After the PLA launched an unprovoked attack on Indian soldiers. 20 Indian soldiers had died in June. India retaliated --- by punishing Chinese companies. Indian citizens are boycotting Chinese products. But India’s biggest cricket tournament - will not dump Vivo. A Chinese brand. ALSO READ: IPL 2020 in UAE: From match timings to women's IPL - Key takeaways from IPL GC meeting #boycottipl I'm a huge IPL fan, especially @mipaltan. But I won't watch until they change this decision.#IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/Hozsz7yzuO — Soham Parmar (@Defier_52) August 2, 2020 × Indian Premier League (IPL) is a business & those running this biz are insensitive towards the nation and it’s security concerns. Whole world is boycotting China, IPL is sheltering them. They should understand that nothing is above nation, not even cricket. Ppl may #BoycottIPL https://t.co/6nyjJ1nCSE — ASHWANI MAHAJAN (@ashwani_mahajan) August 2, 2020 × #BoycottIPL Shame on you @BCCI pic.twitter.com/8a6IYebjzL — Raghu shukla 🇮🇳👳 (@Raghushukla13) August 2, 2020 × Needless to say - this decision hasn’t gone down well with a large section of Indians. From the politicians to citizens, they all have slammed the BCCI. The opposition has latched onto the issue to take on the government. On twitter, angry fans started a hashtag -- boycott IPL. ALSO READ: Exclusive | Marnus Labuschagne: Thriving to be the best Confederation of All India Traders have written to the government. The letter has gone to Home Minister Amit shah --- as well as External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. They claim that BCCI decision “smacks of its lust for money”. The confederation wants the permission to the BCCI withdrawn. The IPL starts on the 19th of September. The tournament will be moved to the UAE this year. Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah will be the three venues for the money-spinning tournament. Why can’t the BCCI dump Vivo? Since 2018 --- the board received close to INR 3,300 crores for media rights. More than 400 million dollars. It earns 700 crores in sponsorships. That's 93 million dollars. Vivo pays the board 440 crores for the title sponsorship per year. Or 58 million dollars. All of this, doesn’t go into BCCI’s pocket. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE: Australia's Josh Hazlewood opens up on England and India series, IPL 2020, injuries and more Half of the revenue from the IPL. is distributed to the eight franchises. After doing that --- the BCCI is left with around two thousand crores as income. Or 265 million dollars. That’s the kind of money that the BCCI makes from the tournament. It can afford to let go of the 440 crores from Vivo. But, it hasn’t. Reportedly, it was too late for the BCCI to take a call. There are also fears of legal liabilities too. In 2018, Vivo had secured the title sponsorship for the IPL for five years. With a mammoth bid of INR 2,199 crores. That's close to $300 million. Allegedly - the exit clause in the contract favours the Chinese company. Cricket is more than a sport for India. It is a religion. You must have heard that often. But, it is also a diplomatic tool. Used to send a message to India’s adversaries. The Indian cricket team doesn’t play with Pakistan. Pakistani players are banned from the IPL. In 2017, Pakistani commentators were banned too. Why can’t Chinese sponsors be given the boot? How much money is enough for the richest cricket board in the world? According to a report --- the BCCI had more than five thousand crores as cash and bank balances in its 2018 balance sheets. That's more than 600 million dollars. A little more than two thousand crores was in the form of fixed deposits. In comparison, the money from the vivo sponsorship is pocket change. Something that the bcci won’t miss from its balance sheets.

IPL's million-dollar Chinese connection

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is highly unlikely to cut ties with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> title sponsors VIVO if the ‘exit clause’ favours the Chinese mobile phone makers, a senior BCCI official said on Wednesday. On June 19, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> took to social media platform Twitter to state that there would be a meeting to review the tournament’s various sponsor deals. However, that meeting is yet to take place.

Following the violent clash on June 15 in eastern Ladakh, the central government decided to ban 59 Chinese apps including the controversial TikTok. The BCCI official further said that the board never used the words ‘cancel’ or ‘terminate’ the deals.&nbsp;

"We still don't know about the fate of T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, so how can we just have a meeting? Yes, we need to discuss sponsorship but we never used the word cancel or terminate," a senior BCCI official, who also sits in IPL GC meetings, told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wc-2011-match-fixing-investigation-upul-tharanga-grilled-by-siu-kumar-sangakkara-to-appear-next-309908" hreflang="en">WC 2011 match-fixing investigation: Upul Tharanga grilled by SIU, Kumar Sangakkara to appear next</a>

<h2>We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us: BCCI official on Chinese sponsorship in IPL</h2>

"We said we will review sponsorship. Review means that we need to check all the modalities of the contract. If the 'Exit Clause' favours VIVO more, why should we terminate a Rs 440 crore per year contract? We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us," he added.

As per the PTI report, some BCCI officials are of the view that the board should honour the contract, which ends in 2022, unless VIVO backs out. Termination of the contract could mean that the Indian cricket board may have to pay substantial compensation.

However, the likes of PayTM, Dream XI, BYJUs and SWIGGY, who all have Chinese investors, might not have to sweat as they are Indian entities.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-news-ms-dhoni-named-captain-as-ab-de-villiers-picks-his-all-time-ipl-xi-309866" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni named captain as AB de Villiers picks his all-time IPL XI</a>

"Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL's various sponsorship deals," the official IPL twitter handle had stated on Friday, June 19.

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Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals 🇮🇳
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1274027565926060034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, no meeting has been scheduled even after nearly two weeks of the tweet from IPL.

"I have called the IPL chairman (Brijesh Patel) and CEO (Rahul Johri) after I saw the tweet. But till date, I haven't been intimated about any meeting. Possibly, they want to have a big meeting once the T20 World Cup is officially postponed," one of the veteran GC members said.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is highly unlikely to cut ties with IPL title sponsors VIVO if the ‘exit clause’ favours the Chinese mobile phone makers, a senior BCCI official said on Wednesday.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is highly unlikely to cut ties with IPL title sponsors VIVO if the ‘exit clause’ favours the Chinese mobile phone makers, a senior BCCI official said on Wednesday. On June 19, IPL took to social media platform Twitter to state that there would be a meeting to review the tournament’s various sponsor deals. However, that meeting is yet to take place. Following the violent clash on June 15 in eastern Ladakh, the central government decided to ban 59 Chinese apps including the controversial TikTok. The BCCI official further said that the board never used the words ‘cancel’ or ‘terminate’ the deals. "We still don't know about the fate of T20 World Cup, Asia Cup, so how can we just have a meeting? Yes, we need to discuss sponsorship but we never used the word cancel or terminate," a senior BCCI official, who also sits in IPL GC meetings, told PTI on conditions of anonymity. ALSO READ: WC 2011 match-fixing investigation: Upul Tharanga grilled by SIU, Kumar Sangakkara to appear next We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us: BCCI official on Chinese sponsorship in IPL "We said we will review sponsorship. Review means that we need to check all the modalities of the contract. If the 'Exit Clause' favours VIVO more, why should we terminate a Rs 440 crore per year contract? We will only terminate if 'Exit Clause' favours us," he added. As per the PTI report, some BCCI officials are of the view that the board should honour the contract, which ends in 2022, unless VIVO backs out. Termination of the contract could mean that the Indian cricket board may have to pay substantial compensation. However, the likes of PayTM, Dream XI, BYJUs and SWIGGY, who all have Chinese investors, might not have to sweat as they are Indian entities. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni named captain as AB de Villiers picks his all-time IPL XI "Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL's various sponsorship deals," the official IPL twitter handle had stated on Friday, June 19. Taking note of the border skirmish that resulted in the martyrdom of our brave jawans, the IPL Governing Council has convened a meeting next week to review IPL’s various sponsorship deals 🇮🇳 — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 19, 2020 × Interestingly, no meeting has been scheduled even after nearly two weeks of the tweet from IPL. "I have called the IPL chairman (Brijesh Patel) and CEO (Rahul Johri) after I saw the tweet. But till date, I haven't been intimated about any meeting. Possibly, they want to have a big meeting once the T20 World Cup is officially postponed," one of the veteran GC members said.

Chinese sponsors in IPL: BCCI unlikely to cut ties if 'exit clause' favours VIVO

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Tuesday called for an end to Chinese sponsorships and financial contracts in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League</a> amid the tensions between two countries following the violent clash in eastern Ladakh earlier in June.

Calls for boycotting Chinese products have echoed all around the country after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. Amid the escalating tensions, the BCCI called a meeting of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">IPL</a> Governing Council to review Chinese sponsorship in the cash-rich tournament. And on Monday, the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps including trending TikTok, ShareIt, WeChat and many others.

"We should do it (sever ties with Chinese sponsors in IPL) for the sake of the nation. Country comes first, money is secondary. And it is the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/ipl">Indian Premier League</a>, not the Chinese Premier League. It should lead&nbsp;by example and show the way," Wadia told PTI on Tuesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricketer-alex-hepburn-rape-conviction-overturned-at-court-of-appeal-309647" hreflang="en">Cricketer Alex Hepburn rape conviction overturned at Court of Appeal</a>

<h2>We must have all the respect for the nation: KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia</h2>

"Yes it would be difficult to find sponsors initially but I am sure there are enough Indian sponsors who can replace them. We must have all the respect for the nation and our government and most importantly for the soldiers who risk their lives for us," said the known Indian businessman.

The face-off between India and China was the biggest confrontation between the two countries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers whereas China lost over 300 soldiers.

Chinese mobile maker Vivo is the title sponsor of IPL and pays Rs 440 crore to the BCCI for the five-year-deal ending in 2022. The likes of Paytm, Swiggy, Dream11 – all have Chinese investments and are involved in the IPL.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hafeez-riaz-among-six-pakistan-players-cleared-to-tour-england-after-negative-covid-19-tests-309608" hreflang="en">Hafeez, Riaz among six Pakistan players cleared to tour England after negative COVID-19 tests</a>

Wadia has cleared his part out and other franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, said they will follow government orders.

"It will be tough to replace them initially but if it has to be done for the sake of the nation, we should do it," a CSK source told PTI. 
Another team owner said: "Let the government decide first, whatever they decide, we will follow".

Wadia is also of the view that BCCI needs to find an Indian sponsor for the upcoming season while adding it is not right to wait government’s directives.

Indian companies need to step up: Ness Wadia

"If I was the BCCI president, I would say find me an Indian sponsor for the upcoming season.

"Indian companies need to step up and see the same benefits and opportunities that Chinese companies have seen in the IPL, which is the best T20 league in the world."

Asked about the Chinese sponsorship in IPL teams, Wadia said: "The teams too should be given time to replace their Chinese sponsors. As I said, there are enough Indian companies which can replace them."

Wadia also welcomed the Indian government's decision to ban Chinese apps citing national security.

"If India plays its card right, it can really be the superpower it desires to be," he observed.

"Personally I don't like to buy Chinese products because they are sub-standard. The focus has to be on making Indian and buying Indian. China produces such large volumes and suffocates the world, it has to stop. We should put all our efforts on making India a manufacturing hub.

"I travel around the country a lot. If we don't stop the influx of cheap Chinese goods and are not firm in what we are doing, Indian manufacturing will die," cautioned Wadia. 
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Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Tuesday called for an end to Chinese sponsorships and financial contracts in the Indian Premier League amid the tensions between two countries following the violent clash in eastern Ladakh earlier in June.

Kings XI Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia on Tuesday called for an end to Chinese sponsorships and financial contracts in the Indian Premier League amid the tensions between two countries following the violent clash in eastern Ladakh earlier in June. Calls for boycotting Chinese products have echoed all around the country after 20 Indian soldiers were killed in the Galwan Valley clash on June 15. Amid the escalating tensions, the BCCI called a meeting of the IPL Governing Council to review Chinese sponsorship in the cash-rich tournament. And on Monday, the Indian government banned 59 Chinese apps including trending TikTok, ShareIt, WeChat and many others. "We should do it (sever ties with Chinese sponsors in IPL) for the sake of the nation. Country comes first, money is secondary. And it is the Indian Premier League, not the Chinese Premier League. It should lead by example and show the way," Wadia told PTI on Tuesday. ALSO READ: Cricketer Alex Hepburn rape conviction overturned at Court of Appeal We must have all the respect for the nation: KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia "Yes it would be difficult to find sponsors initially but I am sure there are enough Indian sponsors who can replace them. We must have all the respect for the nation and our government and most importantly for the soldiers who risk their lives for us," said the known Indian businessman. The face-off between India and China was the biggest confrontation between the two countries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers whereas China lost over 300 soldiers. Chinese mobile maker Vivo is the title sponsor of IPL and pays Rs 440 crore to the BCCI for the five-year-deal ending in 2022. The likes of Paytm, Swiggy, Dream11 – all have Chinese investments and are involved in the IPL. ALSO READ: Hafeez, Riaz among six Pakistan players cleared to tour England after negative COVID-19 tests Wadia has cleared his part out and other franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, said they will follow government orders. "It will be tough to replace them initially but if it has to be done for the sake of the nation, we should do it," a CSK source told PTI. Another team owner said: "Let the government decide first, whatever they decide, we will follow". Wadia is also of the view that BCCI needs to find an Indian sponsor for the upcoming season while adding it is not right to wait government’s directives. Indian companies need to step up: Ness Wadia "If I was the BCCI president, I would say find me an Indian sponsor for the upcoming season. "Indian companies need to step up and see the same benefits and opportunities that Chinese companies have seen in the IPL, which is the best T20 league in the world." Asked about the Chinese sponsorship in IPL teams, Wadia said: "The teams too should be given time to replace their Chinese sponsors. As I said, there are enough Indian companies which can replace them." Wadia also welcomed the Indian government's decision to ban Chinese apps citing national security. "If India plays its card right, it can really be the superpower it desires to be," he observed. "Personally I don't like to buy Chinese products because they are sub-standard. The focus has to be on making Indian and buying Indian. China produces such large volumes and suffocates the world, it has to stop. We should put all our efforts on making India a manufacturing hub. "I travel around the country a lot. If we don't stop the influx of cheap Chinese goods and are not firm in what we are doing, Indian manufacturing will die," cautioned Wadia.

IPL should cut ties with Chinese sponsors: KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia