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Follow UsVirat Kohli (Image Credit : Twitter)
Seems like being Virat Kohli isn't easy these days. He is once again in the news for the wrong reasons. Apparently, he is the brand ambassador for the VIVO mobiles and the company is under heavy scrutiny on the allegations of money laundering. The Chinese phone maker is under scrutiny and investigation by the Enforcement Directorate and other investigating agencies.
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Meanwhile, one of the company executives, who didn't reveal his name, has said that planned advertising and promotion activities involving the former India skipper will be on hold. The executive said that the decision will be applicable till the time there is clarity on the direction of the investigation.
This is also to protect Virat from criticism - The executive of Vivo
“Planned advertising and promotion activities involving Kohli will be on hold till there is clarity in the investigation,” said one of the executives to The Economic Times.
Another executive said that Kohli's managerial team wasn't comfortable with the idea of continuing. He said it about the ads amidst the current situation. The executive said that they have taken this decision to protect the 33-year-old from criticism. After all, he is already under heavy scrutiny for his on-the-field performance or lack of it.
“This is also to protect Virat from criticism,” he said. The executives didn't reveal their names.
On the other hand, Llyod Mathias said that the decision to pause the adverts is appropriate for the time being. He added that given the right-hander's reach on social media and popularity, he shouldn't be linked to the company at a time when it is under scrutiny.
“The decision to pause commercial activity linking a national icon with a brand under intense government scrutiny is always appropriate. Kohli has a massive reach and influence on consumers. He should not involve with a brand under such serious allegations.” said Lloyd Mathias, business strategist and formerly heading of marketing at PepsiCo and Hewlett Packard.