The Board of Control for Cricket in India has taken a decisive step in shaping the future of its commercial partnerships by inviting bids for the prestigious position of Team India’s lead sponsor. This sponsorship covers both the Men’s and Women’s national cricket teams, making it one of the most lucrative and high-visibility opportunities in global sport.
The official Invitation for Expression of Interest was released on September 2, 2025. Interested companies, both Indian and international, must adhere to the detailed terms and conditions laid out by the board. To even access the bid documents, applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of ₹5,90,000 including GST for Indian entities, or USD 5,675 for foreign participants. The final date to purchase the documents is September 12, 2025, while all submissions must be completed by September 16, 2025.
At the heart of the announcement lies the eligibility benchmark. Only companies with a minimum average turnover or net worth of ₹300 crore in the last three financial years will be considered. Beyond financial strength, the board is clear about ethical standards. Every bidder must qualify as a “Fit and Proper Person,” which means no involvement in criminal cases, financial irregularities, or unethical practices. This ensures that the brand associated with Indian cricket upholds values of transparency, integrity, and responsibility.
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In addition to eligibility rules, the BCCI has drawn strict boundaries regarding sponsorship categories. Brands from industries such as alcohol, betting, gambling, cryptocurrency, online gaming restricted under India’s new regulatory framework, and tobacco have all been excluded. Any attempt at surrogate branding will also be rejected. The decision reflects BCCI’s commitment to aligning cricket sponsorships with broader national values and legal frameworks.
Several other industries are off the table due to existing sponsorship agreements. This includes athleisure and sportswear, banking and NBFC services, non-alcoholic cold beverages, appliances, fans, and insurance. The move leaves the playing field open for companies outside these categories to step in and compete for one of the most prestigious branding opportunities in Indian sport.
BCCI’s Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia underlined that this process is designed to ensure fairness and safeguard cricket’s global reputation. He emphasized that the lead sponsorship of the Indian cricket team is not just a financial deal but a reflection of the values and pride that the sport carries for millions of fans.
The sponsorship portfolio of Team India remains among the most valuable properties in the world of sport. With the sheer reach of cricket in India and abroad, amplified by television, digital streaming, and global tournaments, the opportunity offers unmatched brand visibility. For any company that qualifies, becoming the lead sponsor of India’s national cricket team is not just a marketing milestone but a cultural statement.
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This bidding round will decide the next chapter of Indian cricket’s commercial journey. It will be closely watched not just by the sporting world but also by marketing professionals, investors, and fans who understand the massive power and prestige of associating with Team India.
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