New Delhi, Aug 2026 : The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is yet to finalise a title sponsor for the Indian cricket team’s home matches, with the steep asking price reportedly discouraging potential bidders.
The BCCI had invited bids for the title sponsorship rights in July, with August 13 set as the deadline for submission of bids. However, the Board either received no qualifying bids or found the offers below its expectations, prompting it to continue discussions with potential sponsors.
The tender notice was issued on July 20, while August 4 was fixed as the final date for purchasing the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document. Interested parties were given until August 5 to seek clarifications regarding the bidding process.
The BCCI is now holding discussions with several prominent brands as it looks to secure a sponsor. Google Gemini has reportedly emerged as one of the companies involved in discussions, while Spinny and SBI Life are also understood to be exploring the opportunity.
The major hurdle appears to be the BCCI’s base price of Rs 4.75 crore per match. The figure is higher than the Rs 4.2 crore per match being paid by the current rights holder, IDFC First Bank.
The BCCI has offered the sponsorship rights for a two-year period, compared with the three-year agreement secured by IDFC First Bank in 2023. During the proposed rights period, the Board expects to host around 35 chargeable international matches on home soil.
The tender document, however, made it clear that the projected number of matches was not a guarantee.
“For tendering purposes only, and without constituting any representation, warranty, commitment or minimum guarantee by BCCI, BCCI presently expects that it may host approximately 35 chargeable matches during the Rights Period,” the Board said, according to Cricbuzz.
The BCCI’s decision to maintain a high base price comes at a time when sponsors are increasingly evaluating the commercial returns from sports properties. The lack of a successful bidder by the original deadline has therefore prompted the Board to engage directly with interested brands.
A few companies have also reportedly purchased the ITT document, which was priced at Rs 1 lakh and was non-refundable. GroupM, ITW and Sporty Solutions are among those understood to have acquired the document.
Meanwhile, the BCCI has separately initiated the process for awarding Associate Partner Rights for its events through a Request for Quotation (RFQ).
Under the terms, the eventual title sponsor will not be eligible to acquire the Associate Partner Rights. The associate sponsorship will be finalised only after the title sponsorship is successfully concluded.
The deadline for purchasing the RFQ document was August 14, while August 16 was fixed as the final date for seeking clarifications. The deadline for submitting quotation documents has been set for August 25.
With several brands reportedly in discussions, the BCCI is expected to continue negotiations before deciding on the next title sponsor for the Indian team’s home fixtures.
