BCCI Opens Sponsorship Bids for Indian Cricket Team with Strict Eligibility Rules
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially invited bids for the lead sponsorship rights of the Indian cricket team, marking a major commercial development ahead of a busy international calendar. The lead sponsor’s logo will continue to feature prominently on the team’s jerseys across all three formats of the game.
In its tender announcement, the BCCI has set clear restrictions on the type of companies that can participate in the bidding process. Entities associated with real money gaming, cryptocurrency, alcohol, and tobacco products will not be permitted to submit bids. This move aligns with BCCI’s policy of keeping the sport free from sponsorships linked to industries considered either harmful or legally sensitive in India.
The lead sponsor deal is one of the most lucrative assets in Indian cricket. With the Men in Blue being one of the most followed sports teams globally, jersey sponsorship has historically attracted massive corporate interest. Previous sponsors such as Dream11, BYJU’S, and Oppo have each invested significant sums to be associated with Indian cricket’s unmatched brand value.
Industry experts expect intense competition among leading Indian and global companies in sectors such as technology, consumer goods, e-commerce, and financial services, as these categories remain eligible under BCCI’s tender rules. The sponsorship rights are not only about visibility during international matches but also provide brands with deep engagement opportunities through promotional campaigns, merchandising, and global recognition.
BCCI officials emphasized that the decision to exclude certain categories was made keeping in mind the values associated with the sport and the potential influence on millions of fans, especially the younger audience. By narrowing down the eligibility, the board also aims to attract long-term and stable partnerships rather than short-term speculative deals.
With the Indian team set for high-profile series in the coming months and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, the timing of this sponsorship tender could prove highly lucrative for the winning bidder. The deadline for bid submissions and the final announcement are expected to be revealed shortly.
This development underlines once again the commercial power of Indian cricket, where sponsorship deals often set new benchmarks in the global sporting economy.