RCB cuts ties with Kingfisher, signs Dura Cements
IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore have decided to cut all ties with Vijay Mallya's Kingfisher, thereby ending an association of 10 years. Dura Cements will be the new associate sponsor of Royal Challengers Bangalore. As per the new sponsorship deal, Dura's branding will now replace Kingfisher's at the back of the team's playing kit for the upcoming IPL season.
No more Kingfisher ads in the IPL?
Kingfisher's 'Oo La La La La Le O' has been a hit campaign in the past editions of the Indian Premier League. It has almost been synonymous with the BCCI's cricket league. Six franchises including Bangalore, Mumbai, Punjab, Hyderabad and Delhi were a part of it. However, with RCB breaking ties with Kingfisher, we may not see this advertisement in IPL 11.
RCB are still seeking title sponsor
Title sponsorship amount, that brands will pay IPL franchises this season, is expected to be in the range of Rs. 15-25 cr per year. RCB are still seeking title sponsorship and have increased the amount by 50% from the last edition. For the previous season, Gionee had paid Rs. 14 cr and this year's amount is likely to exceed Rs. 20 cr.
Is Vijay Mallya's record the reason?
United Breweries chairman and face of Kingfisher, Vijay Mallya is currently living in exile in London. He fled the country after owing 17 Indian banks over Rs 9000 cr. The Enforcement Directorate is trying to extradite Vijay Mallya. RCB didn't tell reasons behind them cutting ties with Kingfisher, however, Mallya's record might be one of those.
