The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is still searching for a title sponsor for India’s matches, more than two weeks after the deadline passed. The board has been in talks with several potential sponsors as it looks to finalise the deal.
As reported by Cricbuzz on August 22, the BCCI is believed to be negotiating directly with interested companies. Google Gemini, SBI Life, IDFC First Bank and Spinny are among the brands understood to be part of these discussions.
BCCI Blocks Several Brand Categories
The BCCI has also set clear rules on which companies can take part in the bidding process. Tyre, paint and sports apparel companies have been excluded from the current title sponsorship tender. These restrictions come on top of the usual categories that are not allowed to bid. They include tobacco, liquor, fantasy gaming and gambling-related businesses.
The tender document specifically rules out companies involved directly or indirectly in manufacturing, marketing, distributing or selling tyres, tubes and flaps. This means tyre companies cannot submit bids for the rights.
The BCCI has also excluded businesses linked to athleisure wear, performance wear, sports merchandise and equipment. Companies operating in paints, waterproofing and wallpapers have also been barred from participating in the tender.
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Existing Sponsors Protected
The restrictions appear to protect the commercial rights of the BCCI’s existing sponsors. Apollo Tyres is the lead jersey sponsor of the Indian team, while Adidas is the team’s kit sponsor. Asian Paints is an Associate Partner of the BCCI.
As a result, brands such as MRF, CEAT, Berger Paints, JSW Paints, Nike, Puma and Decathlon cannot bid for the title sponsorship rights. This does not mean any of these companies had expressed interest in the tender. The BCCI’s tender conditions simply prevent them from entering the process.
BCCI Expects Around 35 Matches
The tender document states that the BCCI currently expects around 35 chargeable matches during the rights period. The figure is only an estimate and does not guarantee a fixed number of matches, as the final schedule will be decided by the board.
A chargeable match refers to international games played by the India senior men’s team as part of an international series or event. Domestic matches are excluded, along with matches played as part of ACC and ICC events. International matches involving the India senior women’s team are also not included in the chargeable match category.
Reserve Price Set at INR 4.85 Crore
The BCCI has fixed the reserve price at INR 4,85,00,000 per chargeable match. This works out to INR 4.85 crore for each match during the rights period.
The tender also places restrictions on who can submit a bid. Individuals, unincorporated entities, consortia, joint ventures and joint bidders will not be considered. Only eligible individual bidding entities can participate.
Companies interested in the rights must also meet the BCCI’s financial requirements. A bidder must have an average turnover of at least INR 100 crore over the previous three financial years, based on its last three audited accounts.
A company can also qualify through its net worth. The tender requires an average net worth of at least INR 100 crore across the previous three years, again based on the last three audited accounts. These conditions narrow the list of potential bidders as the BCCI continues its search for India’s next title sponsor. The board is now expected to complete its discussions with eligible companies before finalising the rights.
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