The Tata group is replacing mobile device maker Vivo as title sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) after the Chinese firm pulled out of the contract. The decision was taken in a governing council meeting of the IPL.

“The Tata group will come on board as the title sponsor for the next two editions,” IPL Chairman Brijesh Patel said.

Vivo had initially signed a contract for the IPL title sponsorship for five years, 2018-2022, for a staggering Rs 2,200 crore. The Fantasy gaming platform Dream11 had replaced Vivo as title sponsor of the 2020 edition, which was held in the United Arab Emirates because of the Covid crisis.

The Tatas would be paying the same amount that Vivo had committed -- around Rs 440 crore for 60 matches.

Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Jay Shah welcomed the Tata group in the new role. “We are truly happy that India’s largest and most trusted business group has believed in the IPL growth story, and together with the Tata Group, we will look to take Indian cricket and the IPL forward to greater heights,".

The Tatas are sponsors of many important events across the world. These include the TCS New York City Marathon, Amsterdam Marathon, and London Marathon, while JLR is a presenting partner in the Invictus Games since its launch in London in 2014. They also own and run the Jamsehdpur FC football team in the Indian Super League.