New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to finalise Team India’s new jersey sponsor within the next two to three weeks, Vice President Rajiv Shukla announced on Saturday. The bidding process for the sponsorship will close on September 16.
Currently, India is without a shirt sponsor in the ongoing Asia Cup after BCCI’s ₹358 crore per year deal with online gaming platform Dream11 ended prematurely. The deal was terminated following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which prohibits real-money gaming applications.
Following this, BCCI invited fresh bids, disallowing participation from companies associated with real-money gaming, betting, cryptocurrency, or alcohol products. “The tender process has been released and there are many bidders. It will be finalised in 15–20 days,” Shukla said at a CREDAI event.
He dismissed speculation of any frontrunner, adding, “There is no name yet. We will disclose it only after the decision is final.”
Shukla also addressed concerns over the recent GST hike on Indian Premier League (IPL) tickets, now placed in the 40 per cent tax slab, similar to casinos and race clubs. The hike means a ₹500 ticket will now cost ₹700, while a ₹2,000 ticket will rise to ₹2,800. Regular domestic and international matches remain under the 18 per cent GST slab.
Acknowledging the possible impact, Shukla said, “I am seeing that a lot of common people come to watch IPL. It will definitely have an effect, but I am hopeful fans will continue to come.”
On criticism regarding tax exemptions, Shukla clarified, “BCCI pays income tax like a corporate company. It also pays GST. We don’t take any government grants.” He added that both BCCI and state associations contribute thousands of crores in taxes.
Highlighting the growth of women’s cricket, Shukla said salaries have been brought at par with the men’s game, tournaments are being organised, and facilities are provided. “The only challenge is to fill the stadiums. We are doing everything from our side, but more spectators need to come and support women’s cricket,” he noted.
