The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has struck a commercial title sponsorship deal with IDFC First Bank, an Indian private-sector financial institution, for the next three years.
IDFC will now act as the title sponsor for top-tier BCCI home events – including both national team and domestic cricket – from the 2023-24 season onwards.
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It will take over from Mastercard, the credit card giant, which has held title rights since September 2022 but is set to see its deal expire soon.
A tender for title sponsorship rights was issued in early August, with interested parties being given a deadline of August 21 to purchase the necessary tender documents.
Mastercard took over as home events title sponsor from Paytm, the Indian digital payments firm that ended its tie-up for those rights with the BBCI earlier than scheduled.
The collaboration between the two parties begins with a three-match home men’s One-Day International series against Australia, beginning next month.
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By GlobalDataRoger Binny, president of the BCCI, said: “We are pleased to welcome IDFC First as the title sponsor for all our home matches. Their commitment and vision resonate with cricket's spirit, and we look forward to a successful collaboration that benefits the game and its dedicated fans."
Madhivanan Balakrishnan, executive director and chief operating officer at IDFC First Bank, added: “This partnership between IDFC First Bank and the BCCI brings together two strong brands with a shared commitment to providing exemplary experiences to billions of fans. We are delighted to be the title sponsor for all international cricket matches played in India and all domestic tournaments, for the next three years.”
Both parties will aim to “mutually strive to extend unmatched experiences and engagement with cricket fans.”
India’s men’s team, before and after hosting the International Cricket Council’s Men’s Cricket World Cup in October and November, will play 16 home fixtures during 2023-24.
In terms of other BCCI commercial deals, Dream11, the digital fantasy sports platform, was unveiled as the lead men’s national team sponsor in early July for the next three years. It replaced educational technology firm Byju’s in that slot.
In late May, meanwhile, the body struck a new kit supply deal with German sportswear heavyweight adidas, covering the national teams through to 2028.
For the ICC World Cup, meanwhile, the BCCI last week announced a partnership with BookMyShow, a major ticket sales site.
That site is now the official ticketing platform for the World Cup, which will take place between October 5 and November 19.
