BCCI has officially begun the process of selecting a new title sponsor for its domestic cricket competitions and international matches hosted in India by issuing a fresh tender. The move comes as the current three-year sponsorship agreement with IDFC FIRST Bank is set to expire in August 2026.
Alongside the title sponsorship, the Board of Control for Cricket in India has also invited bids for its associate partnership rights, opening another commercial opportunity for interested brands.
New Sponsorship Cycle to Begin After IDFC FIRST Bank Deal Ends
The existing title sponsorship agreement between BCCI and IDFC FIRST Bank was signed in September 2023 for a period of three years. With the contract approaching its conclusion in August 2026, the board has initiated the process of identifying its next commercial partner.
The title sponsorship is considered one of the most valuable branding opportunities in Indian cricket, offering companies nationwide visibility through some of the country’s biggest cricket events.
Rights Cover International and Domestic Cricket
According to the tender, the successful bidder will receive title sponsorship rights for a wide range of cricket events organized by BCCI.
These include home international fixtures involving both the Indian men’s and women’s teams across all three formats-Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
The sponsorship package also extends to several of India’s premier domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Irani Cup, and junior domestic competitions. This ensures year-round exposure for the winning sponsor across multiple levels of Indian cricket.
Previous Sponsors Have Included Paytm and Mastercard
Before IDFC FIRST Bank became the title sponsor, the sponsorship rights were held by Mastercard. Prior to that, Paytm served as the title sponsor for BCCI’s home international matches and domestic tournaments.
The transition reflects the board’s practice of awarding sponsorship rights through a competitive bidding process at the end of each contract cycle.
Key Dates for the Tender Process
Companies interested in participating must first purchase the tender document by paying a non-refundable fee of ₹1 lakh, excluding applicable GST.
The last date to purchase the tender documents is August 4, while interested bidders must submit their final bids by August 13.
BCCI will evaluate the applications based on its eligibility requirements and commercial criteria before selecting the successful sponsor.
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Associate Partner Rights Also Open for Bidding
In addition to the title sponsorship, BCCI has invited applications for associate partnership rights.
For this category, companies can purchase the tender documents until August 14. Requests for clarifications will be accepted until August 16, and the final deadline for submitting quotations has been set for August 25.
The associate partnership offers brands another opportunity to align themselves with Indian cricket through official marketing and promotional rights.
Eligibility Subject to BCCI Conditions
The cricket board has clarified that simply purchasing the tender documents or paying the application fee does not automatically qualify a company for participation.
Only organizations that meet all eligibility requirements and comply with the terms and conditions outlined by BCCI will be allowed to proceed in the bidding process. The board retains the authority to assess applicants before considering their commercial offers.
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Commercial Significance for Indian Cricket
Sponsorship rights linked to BCCI are regarded as some of the most sought-after commercial assets in Indian sports. With the Indian men’s and women’s teams playing a busy international calendar and domestic tournaments attracting growing attention, the winning sponsor is expected to receive extensive brand visibility across television broadcasts, digital platforms, stadium branding, and official promotional campaigns.
The latest tender marks the beginning of a new commercial cycle for Indian cricket, with leading corporations likely to compete for one of the country’s most prestigious sports sponsorship opportunities.
