Following their invitation of bids for a new lead sponsor for Team India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly increased the valuation for the sponsorship rights. According to a Cricbuzz report, the board has set a new reserve price of ₹3.5 crore for bilateral matches and approximately Rs 1.5 crore for multilateral tournaments, which include ICC and ACC competitions.
The new figures represent a notable increase over the previous rates. The report, which cited industry sources, indicated that the current sponsorship rates were ₹3.17 crore for bilateral games and ₹1.12 crore for multilateral matches. This move comes as the BCCI looks to secure a new sponsor after Dream11's exit, which was triggered by the government's new Online Gaming Act, 2025.
BCCI hikes Team India jersey sponsorship rates
The BCCI's new pricing strategy aims to boost the sponsorship valuation of the Indian cricket team. They are targeting a minimum increase of over 10% for bilateral series and around 3% for multilateral tournaments. This differential valuation is a logical move, as sponsors receive greater brand visibility during bilateral matches. In these games, the sponsor's name is prominently displayed on the front of the players' jerseys, whereas during ICC and ACC events, the logo is limited to the sleeves.
The BCCI is seeking a sponsor for the next three years, a period that includes approximately 130 matches. This packed schedule features major tournaments such as the T20 World Cup in 2026 and the ODI World Cup in 2027. Based on the revised reserve price, the board could potentially earn over ₹400 crore, though the final figure is expected to be even higher depending on the outcome of the bidding process.
With the bidding process set for September 16, it is now clear that a new lead sponsor for Team India won't be in place before the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially released the Invitation for Expression of Interest for the lead sponsor rights on September 2. The invitation explicitly restricted several categories from bidding, including gaming, betting, crypto, and tobacco brands. The BCCI also prohibited athleisure and sportswear manufacturers, banking and financial companies, non-alcoholic cold beverage companies, and firms selling products such as fans, mixer grinders, safety locks, and insurance, as they would conflict with the board's current sponsors.
The search for a new sponsor began after the BCCI terminated its contract with Dream11, despite the company having signed a three-year deal in 2023. This decision was a direct result of the government's new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. According to the official statement, the eligibility criteria for a company to become the Indian cricket team's lead sponsor are very specific. To qualify, a company must have a turnover or net worth of at least Rs 300 crore for the last three years.