Mumbai: The Indian business landscape is mourning the loss of industrial magnate Ratan Tata, who passed away late Wednesday night at the age of 86. Renowned for his leadership of the Tata Group, Ratan Tata’s demise has left the nation in deep sorrow. His funeral, held on 10 October in Mumbai, was marked by grand state honours and heartfelt tributes from across the country.
Ratan Tata was not only a stalwart of industry but also a passionate supporter of sports, particularly cricket. The Tata Group has long been associated with cricket sponsorships, dating back to their first sponsorship in 1996. Although the group distanced itself from the sport in 2000 due to a match-fixing scandal, they returned to support Indian cricket in 2020 during the India-China border tensions by withdrawing sponsorship from Chinese phone company Vivo and backing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
In a historic move, the Tata Group secured a record-breaking sponsorship deal for the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024, bidding ₹2,500 crore over four years—the highest bid in IPL history. This sponsorship not only underscores Tata’s enduring commitment to cricket but also strengthens the bond between the Tata Group and the BCCI. Additionally, the Tata Group holds sponsorship rights for the Women’s Premier League (WPL) until 2027, further cementing their role in promoting cricket in India.
Ratan Tata’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief from the cricketing world. Cricket legends like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, along with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, have expressed their condolences, highlighting Tata’s inspirational leadership and philanthropic endeavors. Jay Shah tweeted, “Deeply saddened by the loss of Mr. Ratan Tata. His leadership, dedication, and commitment to society set a remarkable standard for all of us. My heartfelt sympathies to his loved ones.”
Sachin Tendulkar also shared his sorrow on social media, stating, “Ratan Tata inspired millions through his life and work. His legacy will live on through the institutions he built and the values he upheld.” Virat Kohli commemorated Tata’s contributions by posting a photo with the caption, “You will always be remembered, sir.”
Ratan Tata’s influence extended beyond business into social responsibility and sports, leaving an indelible mark on India’s corporate and sporting sectors. His visionary approach and dedication to excellence continue to inspire future generations within the Tata Group and beyond.
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