“IPL should look at Indian brands for sponsorship,” says Harbhajan Singh amid call for boycott of Chinese brands

Current title sponsors of IPL is VIVO, a Chinese mobile phone brand.

India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has called for a boycott of Chinese products in India in the wake up of border clashes between the two countries. This came after 20 Indian soldiers were killed by China’s PLA army in the Galwan region of LAC (Line of Actual Control).

Since then, the whole country has been filled with calls to boycott products from China and making the country self-reliant on India made products.

CTI writes to BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, demand the end of partnerships with Chinese firms

"If we want to be self-reliant, the boycott is probably the right thing. Everything can be made in India. We have a lot of capabilities. If we want to ban Chinese goods, we should. If they are attacking India and our soldier brothers, then ban their goods. Why should their country run via our money? I am with all those who say Chinese products should be banned," Harbhajan told Sportstar in an Instagram chat.

There have also been calls for the IPL to let go of sponsors VIVO, who are Chinese mobile phone manufacturers, and also PayTm, which have a majority stake by China’s Alibaba Corporation.  

The off-spinner who has played over 100 Tests and 230 ODIs, has said that he won’t endorse any brands or products from China as well. He also added that IPL should also look at Indian brands for sponsorship.

"Many people point out that celebrities endorse many products; I can assure you, I won’t be among them. In the absence of Chinese sponsors, there could be many others. We have to decide whether the IPL is bigger or the brand. IPL doesn’t need any brand, IPL in itself is a big brand,” Harbhajan said.

The IPL Governing Council on Friday announced that they will be meeting next week to decide on sponsorship details.