The controversy between the financial supporter of Team India, Sahara India Pariwar and the Board of Cricket Control in India seems to have widened more. Sahara now plans to sign a five year sponsor deal with Hockey India. And in the process the country's men's and women's hockey teams at both the senior and junior level will get the financial backing of the corporate giant till 2017.

As per the information on Tuesday the deal is almost on the final stage. "More or less everything has been finalized. Most probably tomorrow, the agreement would be signed. We are hoping for a deal worth between Rs 15 to 17 Cr because we need more money to promote the sport," said a Hockey India official. But on behalf of Sahara, Abhijit Sarkar, Head, Sahara India's corporate communications felt the final details will be out in a couple of days. He also ascertained that the company was discussing internally, for extending the deal. Indian Hockey team was earlier sponsored by Sahara and the deal ended last month, which was originally signed in 2003. But the matter earns prominence after Sahara withdrew its sponsorship to Team India, with speculations that this time the deal would cover a bigger amount to enhance the image of the national game.

(With inputs from internet: AarKay)