Airtel exits Champions T20 League as title sponsor

Airtel exits Champions T20 League as title sponsor

Airtel

MUMBAI: Airtel has exited the Champions T20 League as the title sponsor, exercising its review option after two years.

Nokia is likely to take up Airtel‘s place, sources familiar with the development said. Nokia is also a sponsor of the Kolkata Knight Riders IPL team.

ESPN Star Sports, the official broadcaster for the multi-nation club tournament, is also in talks with two other advertisers.

"We are in talks with a telecom player, a handset manufacturer and a real estate player. We will be firming up the deal soon," a source in the company said.

Airtel‘s five-year deal was worth Rs 1.70 billion. "They had the right to review the deal after two years," the source added.
 
 
The Champions T20 League takes place this year from 23 September- 9 October. Before this event, there will be a qualifying tournament featuring among other teams the Kolkata Knight Riders. If the Shah Rukh Khan owned franchise gets through, then there will be four Indian Premier League (IPL) teams in the event.