The BCCI is still talking to potential title sponsors. The deadline has already passed by over two weeks. Negotiations are ongoing and several brands are in the mix. Google Gemini is one of them. SBI Life is another. IDFC First Bank is also in the running. The BCCI needs to close this deal soon because they know the clock is ticking.
The board has made it clear that certain categories cannot bid for the title sponsorship. Tyre, paint, and sports apparel companies are excluded. This is in addition to the usual no-go categories such as tobacco, liquor, fantasy gaming, and gambling.
The restrictions are meant to protect existing sponsors. Apollo Tyres is the lead jersey sponsor. Adidas is the kit sponsor. Asian Paints is a BCCI Associate Partner. This means brands like MRF, CEAT, Berger Paints, Nike, Puma, and Decathlon cannot bid for the rights. There is no indication that these brands had shown interest. But the tender document preempts their participation.
The reserve price for each match is Rs 4.85 crore. BCCI expects to host around 35 matches during the rights period. Bidders must have a minimum turnover or net worth of Rs 100 crore over the last three years. Individual bidders and joint ventures are not allowed to participate. The board is taking a careful approach to finalize the sponsorship. The process is important because the title sponsor is a significant source of revenue for Indian cricket. A deal is expected to be finalized soon.
BCCI Continues Search for New Team India Title Sponsor After Deadline Passes
The BCCI is still searching for a new title sponsor for the Indian cricket team. The deadline has already passed by over two weeks. Talks are ongoing with potential partners like Google Gemini, SBI Life, IDFC First Bank, and Spinny.
The board has ruled out several categories from the bidding process. Companies from the tyre, paint, and sports apparel industries are not eligible to bid this time. This also includes the usual no-go categories such as tobacco, liquor, fantasy gaming, and gambling.
The restrictions appear to be a protective measure. They aim to safeguard the commercial rights of existing sponsors. Apollo Tyres is the team’s lead jersey sponsor. Adidas is the kit sponsor. Asian Paints is a BCCI Associate Partner. As a result, brands like MRF, CEAT, Berger Paints, Nike, Puma, and Decathlon would not be able to bid for the rights.
The tender document also states that BCCI expects to host around 35 chargeable games during the rights period. However, the final number will depend on the schedule determined by the board.
BCCI Has Raised Title Sponsorship Reserve Price to Rs 4.9 Crore Per Match
The BCCI has increased the reserve price for title sponsorship rights by more than 15 percent. The new base price is set at Rs 4.9 crore per match. This is up from Rs 4.2 crore paid by the previous sponsor. The board has also raised the base price for associate partner rights. It is now Rs 95 lakh per match, compared with Rs 82 lakh in the previous cycle.
The new title sponsorship cycle will run until March 2028. It is expected to cover around 35 international matches. The base price for the title sponsorship rights works out to around Rs 169.8 crore for the expected 35 matches. In comparison, IDFC First Bank paid Rs 235.2 crore during the previous cycle, which covered 56 matches.
The shorter sponsorship deal matches the timeline of other major BCCI business contracts. These include deals with Adidas and Apollo Tyres, which are scheduled for renewal in March 2028. Synchronising these commercial rights is expected to help the board market and sell multiple sponsorship properties together.
The bidding process comes at a time when the commercial appeal of bilateral cricket is being closely watched. Advertisers are increasingly favoring the T20 format. A sports marketing expert said the reserve price appears aggressive given the current market sentiment. Bilateral cricket has struggled to attract strong television viewership.
According to a report, competition for the previous title sponsorship rights was limited. IDFC First Bank emerged as the only bidder. Sports sponsorship spending in India rose 7 percent year-on-year to Rs 7,942 crore in 2025. Cricket accounted for 89 percent of the sponsorship market, up from 85 percent a year earlier.
FAQs
Q. Which brands are in talks for Team India sponsorship?
A. Google Gemini, SBI Life, IDFC First Bank, and Spinny.
Q. Who is India’s lead jersey sponsor?
A. Apollo Tyres is the lead jersey sponsor.
Q. What is the reserve price per match?
A. The reserve price is Rs 4.85 crore.
Q. How many matches could be covered under the deal?
A. BCCI expects around 35 chargeable matches.
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