India sponsorship was emotional: Subroto Roy

New Delhi:

Sahara India's chairman has revealed the reason that his company chose to pay Rs 400 crore for the four-year Indian cricket sponsorship.

Speaking on NDTV's show 'Walk the Talk', Subroto Roy has said that the primary reason for this was much to do with Indian emotions regarding cricket.

NDTV: What made you buy expensive Indian sponsorship? Was it emotional?
Subroto Roy: It was very emotional, we had declined it because the cost was very high, and then it had gone to some MNCs. That was told to me and I did not like that.

Cricket has become an emotional thing for Indians; then we decided to go for this sponsorship. So then we paid extra more than the MNC and we took the sponsorship.

NDTV: Are you getting value for money?
Subroto Roy: I don't know probably yes but very difficult to quantify that.

NDTV: After the World Cup did you regret it?
Subroto Roy: Yes, not as a sponsor but as a citizen of the country and as a fan.

NDTV: What's your view on the ICL?
Subroto Roy: I think anything that's happening for cricket is good.

NDTV:If you had your way would you back it?
Subroto Roy: If it comes to me that we can support it for the good we will do that.

NDTV:Sahara could be the sponsor of the National cricket team and the ICL?
Subroto Roy: It may happen in the future.

(Watch the entire interview on Saturday, August 25, at 9:30 pm on NDTV 24x7.)