Reebok to continue association with controversy-hit Chennai Super Kings

NEW DELHI: German sportswear major Adidas today said its arm, Reebok India, will continue association with IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings despite controversy surrounding team principal Gurunath Meiyappan's alleged involvement in betting.

"We are going to wait to see how the current situation plays out. We remain committed to the team. We have multi-year commitment with the team," Adidas Group India Managing Director Eric Haskell told reporters.

Meiyappan, son-in-law of BCCI president N Srinivasan who has stepped aside, was arrested by Mumbai police for alleged betting in and was released on bail. He has been suspended by the cricket board.

When asked if the company could re-look at its partnership if the contract of Chennai Super Kings is terminated by BCCI due to alleged betting in IPL, Haskell said: "We will have to see how it plays (out). We will have to take a call if and when it happens," added Haskell.

Both Adidas and Reebok have strong connection with cricket and have cricketers as brand ambassadors.

He said the current controversies surrounding IPL have have tarnished cricket at present.

"...it is disappointing for sure. It (cricket) may be bit tarnished at the moment and I am hopeful it will get cleaned up," Haskell said..

Reebok India supplies sports gear to two more IPL teams -- Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore -- apart from Chennai Super Kings.