The master-mind of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has managed it again. Halfway through the season, IPL chairman and commissioner Lalit Modi has roped in Vodafone Essar as the official telecom partner and the official ground sponsor for five years. The deal is estimated to be valued at nearly $25 million. “Vodafone has a long standing association with sports globally, ranging from Formula 1 with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes to the UEFA Champions League. I am certain the company’s association with the DLF Indian Premier League as its official partner will prove to be mutually beneficial. This association with Vodafone bears testimony to the success of the DLF Indian Premier League as has been witnessed in the last fortnight of fantastic cricket and further reiterates the fact the league is set to carve out a distinct niche for itself in the international cricketing calendar,” said Mr Modi. With this, tickets for the DLF Indian Premier League matches will now be available on Vodafone live! — a service the teleco offers to customers. Vodafone customers will also be able to participate in the ‘Predict the Man of the Match’ contest and the winner will be announced as the Vodafone Winner of the contest after match.