Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) for National Team Lead Sponsor Rights, with strict restrictions on categories deemed offensive or unsuitable for association with Indian cricket.
Bidders from sectors such as alcohol, betting and gambling, cryptocurrency, online money gaming, tobacco, and any brands likely to offend public morals—including pornography—are barred from participating.
Apart from prohibited categories, certain existing sponsor segments are also blocked, including athleisure and sportswear manufacturers, banks and NBFCs, non-alcoholic beverages, fans, mixer grinders, safety locks, and insurance. Surrogate or indirect bidding is strictly prohibited.
Entities interested in acquiring the sponsorship rights must purchase the IEOI, priced at INR 5,00,000 plus GST for Indian bidders and USD 5,675 for foreign entities. The IEOI is available until September 12, 2025, and completed bid submissions are due by September 16, 2025.
Eligibility requirements mandate a minimum average turnover or net worth of INR 300 crore over the past three years, and bidders must qualify as ‘Fit and Proper Persons’ without criminal convictions or conflicts of interest. BCCI reserves the right to amend or cancel the IEOI process at any stage without explanation.
Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary of BCCI, underlined that only eligible entities purchasing the IEOI can submit bids, and the process ensures integrity and transparency in selecting the National Team Lead Sponsor.
