BCCI has banned these brands from applying for lead sponsorship rights after BYJU's exit

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited tenders from interested businesses for the lead sponsorship rights of the Indian national cricket team. The move comes after ed-tech company BYJU's decided to terminate their deal with the world's richest board at the end of the last financial year.

BYJUs, which had cut down on its branding, had a USD 35 million deal for the most visible space on the Indian men’s team jersey — the front.

“The BCCI invites bids from reputed entities for acquiring the National Team Lead Sponsor rights,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah said in a release.

The bid document can be bought for a non-refundable fee of Rs 5 lakh and the last date of purchase of will be June 26.

“Any interested party wishing to submit a bid is required to purchase the Invitation to Tender (ITT). However, only those satisfying the eligibility criteria set out in the ITT and subject to the other terms and conditions set out therein, shall be eligible to bid. It is clarified that merely purchasing the ITT does not entitle any person to bid,” Shah stated.

The bid for sponsorship rights is expected to draw a lot of attention, especially with the ODI World Cup 2023 scheduled to take place in India in October-November. The lead sponsor's name will adorn the front of the Indian cricket team's jersey, providing unparalleled visibility and exposure.

Brand categories banned by BCCI

However, the BCCI has made it clear that certain brand categories will not be allowed for the sponsorship rights.

Prohibited Brand Categories

• Athleisure and Sportswear Manufacturer (Adiddas recently became the kit sponsor of Indian cricket team)

• Alcohol Products

• Betting

• Cryptocurrency

• Real Money Gaming (Except Fantasy Sports Gaming)

• Tobacco

• One which is likely to offend public morals such as, including but not limited to, pornography

(with input from PTI)