The BCCI's search for a new title sponsor for Indian cricket has hit a roadblock, with no major bids emerging by the August 13 deadline for the rights.
According to Cricbuzz, the board had either received no bids or found that the offers received did not meet its expectations. The BCCI is now in talks with potential corporate sponsors as it looks to finalise a deal before India's home season begins.
Why Is BCCI Struggling To Find A Title Sponsor?
The biggest hurdle appears to be the BCCI's asking price.
The board has set a base price of Rs 4.85 crore per match, around 15.5% higher than the Rs 4.2 crore per-match value of the existing IDFC First Bank deal.
The new rights package will run for two years until March 31, 2028, and is expected to cover around 35 home internationals, comprising 10 Tests, 12 ODIs and 13 T20Is.
The BCCI's tender document makes it clear that the figure of 35 matches is only an estimate and that the final schedule remains subject to the board's decision.
At the base price, the proposed package would generate at least Rs 169.75 crore, or roughly Rs 170 crore, if all 35 projected matches are played under the rights period.
Google Gemini, Spinny Among Brands In Talks
Despite the lack of a major bid, the BCCI has not run out of potential suitors.
Cricbuzz reports that Google Gemini, Spinny and SBI Life are among the brands understood to be in discussions with the board.
The tender document itself had attracted interest from several parties. Agencies and companies including GroupM, ITW and Sporty Solutions purchased the ITT after it went on sale for Rs 1 lakh.
The last date for purchasing the tender document was August 5.
IDFC First Bank's Deal Was Worth Rs 231 Crore
The BCCI's previous title sponsorship cycle covered 55 international matches, with IDFC First Bank paying around Rs 231 crore over the period.
The current package is smaller, with the board expecting approximately 35 chargeable home internationals.
If a sponsor agrees to the new base price for all 35 projected matches, the BCCI would earn around Rs 171 crore over two years, according to Cricbuzz. The final amount could be higher if the board secures a bid above the reserve price.
BCCI Has Time Before India's Home Season
The BCCI still has time to resolve the issue before India's first home international of the season.
Cricbuzz reports that India's first home international is scheduled for September 27, when West Indies visit India. A three-match T20I series against Afghanistan is also scheduled for September, although those games are considered Afghanistan Cricket Board home matches.
The BCCI has also separately opened the process for Associate Partner Rights. The reserve price for those rights is Rs 95 lakh per chargeable match, while cold beverage brands face a higher reserve price of Rs 1.15 crore per match.
For now, the BCCI's challenge is to find a sponsor willing to meet its significantly higher valuation for India's home cricket rights.
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