The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has formally issued the Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) for the National Team Lead Sponsorship Rights, allowing high-profile businesses to partner with one of the world’s most valuable sporting properties.
Interested companies must pay a non-refundable charge of INR 5 lakh (plus GST) to get the complete tender document. The deadline to acquire the IEOI is September 12, 2025, and the bid submission deadline is September 16, 2025. To be eligible, candidates must demonstrate a good financial condition. Bidders must have had an average turnover or net worth of at least INR 300 crore in the previous three fiscal years, according to certified financial documents.
In addition, candidates must fulfil the BCCI’s “fit and proper” standards, which ensure that bidding firms have a clean legal background and no conflicts of interest as specified by the board. To guarantee transparency, the BCCI has specifically prohibited surrogate branding, which involves a corporation bidding indirectly using another name or proxy.
Furthermore, to protect the values and integrity of Team India’s brand, the BCCI has established rigorous restrictions for bidding firms. Companies engaged in alcohol, betting and gambling, cryptocurrencies, online gaming, tobacco, and morally unacceptable or harmful companies are outlawed.
The board has also produced a list of blocked categories, which include areas where partnerships already exist: Athleisure/sportswear, banking and financial services, non-alcoholic cold beverages, household fans, and more. With continued high fan engagement and a massive global audience for Indian cricket, the lead sponsor role is expected to draw significant attention from top-tier Indian and international brands.
Potential sponsors see this as more than just a promotional opportunity; it’s a strategic entry into the world’s most profitable cricket market. Cricket sponsorship in India generates enormous value due to unrivalled TV and digital reach, strong fan loyalty and emotional connection, and continual global exposure through International Cricket Council (ICC) events and bilateral series.
As the BCCI gears up for a hectic international season, which includes significant ICC events and high-stakes bilateral tours, the lead sponsor will get continuous and high-visibility brand presence.
Interested firms need to act soon, as they have fewer than two weeks to obtain the IEOI and submit applications. The BCCI is expected to examine proposals based not just on financial strength, but also on brand alignment, market credibility, and regulatory compliance.
The announcement of the winning sponsor will represent a significant commercial reset for Indian cricket, potentially reshaping the way premium brands exploit sports relationships in India.
