Cricket Sponsor Shift
Singapore
BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla confirmed on Saturday that the Indian cricket team’s new jersey sponsor will be finalised within 15–20 days. The bidding process, which closes on September 16, follows the end of the board’s contract with Dream11. The ₹358-crore-per-year deal was cut short after India passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which banned real-money gaming platforms.
The new tender prevents companies involved in online gaming, betting, cryptocurrency, or alcoholic products from applying. “The tender process has been released and there are a lot of bidders. It will be finalised in 15–20 days,” Shukla said at an event in Singapore. He added that no frontrunner has been identified yet.
Shukla also addressed the recent hike in Goods and Services Tax (GST) on IPL tickets. With tickets now placed in the 40% slab, prices will rise sharply. A ₹500 ticket will cost ₹700, while a ₹2,000 ticket will cost ₹2,800. Regular domestic and international matches will continue under the 18% GST bracket. “Common people come to watch IPL. The hike will have an impact, but I hope fans still come in large numbers,” he said.
On criticism that the BCCI receives tax exemptions, Shukla clarified: “BCCI pays income tax like any corporate company. It also pays GST and never takes grants from the government.”
He further highlighted efforts to promote women’s cricket. According to Shukla, salaries are now equal, tournaments are organised, and facilities provided. “The only challenge is filling stadiums. Women should also come to watch and support the game,” he said.