In recent years, Team India’s Jersey sponsors have frequently changed, and notably, each sponsor has encountered financial difficulties. The Team India jersey carries an unfortunate trend, with every sponsoring company facing challenges. Here is the history over the years:
Wills Kings
Wills Kings, the main sponsor for the Indian cricket team in the 90s, ultimately faced a ban on sponsoring any cricket-related activities.
Source: Ban on tobacco sponsorship may hit sport
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Sahara
During the 2000s, Sahara was prominently featured on Team India’s jersey. However, Sahara’s owner, Subrata Roy, was jailed due to the company’s involvement in financial irregularities, where it took money from investors without providing returns, leading to a significant scam.
Source: Subrata Roy’s Sahara scam
Star
Star became the subsequent sponsor for India, but the company changed as Walt Disney acquired it. However, Walt Disney aimed to sell its stake in Star.
Oppo
Oppo would become a sponsor for Team India’s Jersey, and later, the company faced allegations of tax evasion in India.
Byjus
Byjus, following their sponsorship of Team India’s Jersey, experienced a crisis that led to layoffs.
Source: Byju’s layoff: Staffers asked to resign voluntarily after performance review, says report
Dream 11
Currently, Dream11 sponsors Team India. However, the Indian government has imposed high taxes on companies involved in fantasy sports and online gaming, with a 28% tax rate.
Source: Govt to levy 28 per cent tax on online gaming; Dream11, MPL and more to be affected
All of these sponsor companies facing losses do tell us that it hasn’t been lucky for them to join in with India. The recurring financial challenges faced by these sponsors prompt the question: could sponsoring Team India be associated with a curse for companies?
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