The recent data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) has shed light on the intricate details of political funding through electoral bonds. In this latest set of data, one notable revelation is the involvement of Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd, the company behind the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK), in political donations.
According to the data, Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd emerges as the top donor to the Tamil Nadu-based political party AIADMK. The company made substantial contributions totaling ₹5 crore through electoral bonds over just two days, from April 2 to April 4, 2019. This significant contribution constitutes the largest donation received by AIADMK through electoral bonds, with the party accumulating a total of ₹6.05 crore through the 2018 scheme.
In addition to Chennai Super Kings Cricket Ltd, other donors to AIADMK include Coimbatore-based Lakshmi Machine Works Limited, which donated ₹1 crore through electoral bonds, and an individual named Gopal Srinivasan from Chennai, who contributed ₹5 lakh to the regional party of Tamil Nadu.
Chennai Super Kings Cricket Limited (CSKCL) operates the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) franchise in the highly popular Indian Premier League (IPL). CSK has established itself as one of the most successful teams in the IPL, clinching five titles in the tournament’s history. Led by the iconic former Team India skipper MS Dhoni, CSK is set to defend its title and kick off the tournament against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the opening match on March 22.
CSKCL operates as a subsidiary of India Cements Limited, a renowned cement manufacturing company headquartered in Chennai. With a market share of over 28% in South India, India Cements is the largest producer of cement in the region. The company boasts four manufacturing plants in Tamil Nadu and four in Andhra Pradesh, serving customers across South India and Maharashtra.
On its official website, India Cements proudly identifies itself as a sponsor of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), highlighting its association with the successful IPL franchise. This collaboration underscores the synergy between sports and corporate entities, showcasing the mutual benefits derived from such partnerships.