Ratan Tata Passes Away: How the Titan of Indian Industry Nurtured His Family's Connection With Cricket

The Tata Group’s profound connection with sports, particularly cricket, is deeply rooted in its history. This legacy began with the founder, Jamshedji Tata, whose passion for the game was legendary. This commitment to sportsmanship was passed down through generations, culminating in the establishing of a world-class sports complex in Jamshedpur in 1991.

Ratan Tata, who sadly passed away at the age of 86, played a pivotal role in further solidifying this legacy during his tenure as chairman of Tata Sons. From 1991 onwards, he spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the establishment of academies for hockey, archery, and athletics at the JRD Complex. His support extended to sponsoring Narain Karthikeyan, the first Indian Formula One driver, and ultimately led to the Tata Group becoming the title sponsor of two of the world’s biggest T20 cricket leagues.

The Titan Cup and a Shadow Over Cricket

The Tata Group’s foray into major cricket sponsorship began with the Titan Cup in 1996. This triangular one-day tournament, featuring India, Australia, and South Africa, was a resounding success, with a Sachin Tendulkar-led India emerging victorious.

However, the optimism of the late 90s was marred by the match-fixing scandal of 2000. This dark chapter in Indian cricket history saw several high-profile players implicated in corruption. In the wake of the scandal, the Tata Group, under Ratan Tata’s guidance, made the difficult decision to withdraw its support from cricket.

A Triumphant Return: IPL and Beyond

The Tata Group’s return to cricket sponsorship came at a crucial juncture. When Vivo, a Chinese phone manufacturer, withdrew its IPL title sponsorship in 2020 due to political tensions between India and China, Tata stepped in. This marked the beginning of a new era, with Tata eventually securing a record-breaking four-year deal worth Rs 2,500 crore in January 2024, the highest sponsorship amount in the league’s history.

Capitalizing on the success of the men’s IPL, the BCCI launched the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in 2023. In line with its commitment to promoting sports across genders, Tata secured the title sponsorship for the WPL until 2027.

A Meeting of Icons

In May of this year, Ratan Tata and cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, two icons of India, came together for a memorable meeting. Tendulkar shared on social media that their conversation touched upon their shared love for automobiles, passion for wildlife conservation, affection for animals, and commitment to social good.

The Tata Group’s enduring association with sports, particularly cricket, is a testament to its unwavering belief in the power of sports to inspire and unite. Ratan Tata’s vision and leadership have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Indian sporting landscape, ensuring that the Tata legacy continues to thrive.