The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has once again shown why Indian cricket is the most lucrative property in the sporting world.
In its latest move, the BCCI has raised the base price for Team India’s jersey sponsorship, a decision that could see the board’s earnings skyrocket by nearly ₹500 crore over the next three years.
Under the revised rates, any new sponsor will now have to pay ₹3.5 crore per bilateral match and ₹1.5 crore for every ICC or ACC tournament game. These figures mark a substantial increase from the previous sponsorship deal and highlight the unmatched brand value of Team India in global cricket.
Why Did BCCI Raise the Jersey Sponsorship Fee?
The simple answer is demand and visibility.
- During bilateral matches, the sponsor’s logo is prominently displayed on the front of the jersey, offering prime-time exposure to millions of viewers in India and abroad.
- In ICC and ACC events, however, only the sleeves carry the logo, reducing visibility but still ensuring significant reach thanks to India’s massive fan base.
Compared to the previous arrangement, this is around a 10% increase for bilateral games and a 3% increase for multilateral tournaments. Even these small jumps translate to hundreds of crores in additional revenue for the BCCI.
The Dream11 Exit and New Opportunities
The last jersey sponsor, Dream11, had to exit following the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The Act banned advertising for real-money gaming companies, making it impossible for Dream11 to continue its partnership with the Indian team.
While Dream11’s exit created a temporary sponsorship gap, it also opened the door for new, diverse brands to step in. Now, with the BCCI floating fresh tenders, some of the biggest names in corporate India—and even global giants—are expected to bid.
How Much Could BCCI Earn?
India is set to play around 130 matches over the next three years. This schedule includes blockbuster events such as the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 ODI World Cup.
At the new base price, BCCI could earn:
- ₹3.5 crore × ~90 bilateral matches = over ₹315 crore
- ₹1.5 crore × ~40 ICC/ACC matches = about ₹60 crore
That’s nearly ₹375–400 crore at minimum. And considering that bidding often pushes prices beyond the base, experts believe the final number could be close to ₹500 crore.
Timeline and Tender Process
The BCCI has already issued its Expression of Interest (EOI) for potential sponsors. The deadline for bids is September 16, 2025, which means India will likely not have a new jersey sponsor for the Asia Cup starting September 9. The final decision is expected shortly after the bid submissions, setting the stage for a new partnership before the home season begins in full swing.
India’s New Jersey Sponsorship
| Category | Old Rate | New Rate | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilateral Matches | ₹3.17 crore per match | ₹3.5 crore per match | ~10% |
| ICC/ACC Tournaments | ₹1.12 crore per match | ₹1.5 crore per match | ~3% |
| Estimated Matches | ~130 in 3 years | ~130 in 3 years | – |
| Projected Earnings | ₹350–400 crore | Up to ₹500 crore | Significant |
In Shorts:
The BCCI’s decision to hike jersey sponsorship rates is not just about numbers—it’s about the growing clout of Indian cricket on the world stage. With billions of fans, jam-packed stadiums, and unmatched television audiences, sponsoring Team India’s jersey is more than a business deal—it’s a ticket to global recognition.
As the bidding war heats up in the coming weeks, one thing is clear: wearing the Indian jersey isn’t just about cricket—it’s about prestige, visibility, and massive returns.
