When the Kings XI Punjab take the field against the Rajasthan Royals, each player will subconsciously look over their shoulders. Not because they’re afraid of their opponents, but because of what’s printed on the backs of their shirts: their name, their jersey number, and sponsors Tata Motors Prima and … wait for it … Manforce Condoms.
They are, understandably, as shy as 18-year-old boys asking for condoms at a pharmacy.
“I don’t know what to say, my family will be watching and it’s an embarrassing situation,” said a Kings XI player to Hindustan Times on the condition of anonymity.
“Also, friends are bound to tease us.”
However, Rajiv Shukla, IPL governing council chairman, was more concerned about getting the maximum bang for his buck.
“We have seen such products [male contraceptives] being advertised on TV during matches, but we don’t have guidelines that limit a franchise from getting one as a team sponsor.”
So, here’s hoping the Kings get adequate protection in their games and don’t go down without a fight. Let their batsmen score, their bowlers blow away the opposition, and fielders grab opportunities with both hands.
