The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce a new jersey sponsor for the national cricket team within the next 15 to 20 days, according to BCCI Vice President and Member of Parliament Rajeev Shukla. Speaking at an event organised by CREDAI in Singapore on September 13, Shukla confirmed that the tender process is underway and that multiple bids have been received.
The development follows the premature termination of BCCI’s ₹358 crore annual deal with Dream11, which had been the official jersey sponsor since 2023. The contract was cut short after the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which prohibits real-money gaming applications. As a result, Team India is currently without a shirt sponsor during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
The BCCI has floated a fresh tender, explicitly barring companies involved in real-money gaming, betting, cryptocurrency, or alcoholic products from participating. The last date for bid submission is September 16, and the new sponsorship deal is expected to cover the 2025–2028 cycle, spanning approximately 140 matches. Industry estimates suggest the board is targeting a ₹452 crore agreement, with projected earnings of ₹3.5 crore per bilateral match and ₹1.5 crore per ICC/ACC fixture.
Asked about potential frontrunners, Shukla stated, “There is no name yet. There are a lot of bidders. We will tell you after it’s finalised.” He also addressed concerns over the recent GST hike on IPL tickets, which now fall under the 40% slab, alongside casinos and race clubs. “A ₹500 ticket will now cost ₹700, and a ₹2,000 ticket will go up to ₹2,800. It will definitely have an impact, but I am hopeful that a lot of people will still come to watch IPL,” he said.
Responding to criticism regarding tax exemptions, Shukla clarified, “BCCI pays income tax like a corporate company. It also pays GST. We don’t have any exemptions. We pay thousands of crores in taxes, and state associations also pay taxes. We never take a single rupee grant from the government.”
On the growth of women’s cricket, Shukla reiterated the board’s commitment to parity and promotion. “We are doing everything from our side—equal salaries, tournaments, facilities. The only challenge is filling the stadiums. Women should also come to watch the game.”
The new jersey sponsor is expected to be announced before the Asia Cup 2025 final, scheduled for September 28.
