BCCI Title Sponsor Search Hits Snag Over High Price
By Business Desk
The BCCI is facing difficulties securing a title sponsor for India’s home cricket matches due to a significant increase in the asking price, deterring potential bidders.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is having trouble finding a title sponsor for the Indian cricket team’s home international matches. A title sponsor is a company that pays to have its name linked to an event.
This isn’t because there’s no interest in Indian cricket. Instead, the main problem is the much higher asking price for the sponsorship rights (permission to use a team’s name/logo).
Key Numbers Behind the Deal
- New base price: ₹4.75 crore per match
- Previous sponsor’s payment: ₹4.2 crore per match
- Tender process started: July 20
- Bidding deadline: August 13
- Anticipated agreement duration: Two years
- Matches expected to be covered: Approximately 35 matches
The BCCI set August 13 as the deadline for bids, but either received no submissions or offers that did not meet their expectations. The tender process (formal bidding for a contract) began on July 20 with an Invitation to Tender (ITT) issued.
The previous sponsor, IDFC First Bank, paid ₹4.2 crore per match. However, the BCCI increased the base price (minimum accepted bid) for the new cycle to ₹4.75 crore per match.
Who’s Interested?
This higher valuation is a key reason why potential sponsors are hesitant to commit. Despite these challenges, the BCCI is still talking with several companies.
- Companies reportedly in discussions: Google Gemini, Spinny, SBI Life
- Companies that purchased ITT documents: GroupM, ITW, Sporty Solutions
The BCCI continues to negotiate in an effort to secure a title sponsor for the Indian team’s upcoming home matches.