BCCI Releases List of Banned Brand Categories for Indian Cricket Teams' Title Sponsorship

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has recently announced that it is inviting tender applications for the title sponsorship of the Indian cricket teams. This invitation comes in the wake of BCCI's contract with ed-tech company BYJU'S ending in the last financial year. Currently, the Indian cricket teams are without a title sponsor, but BCCI aims to finalize a new sponsor soon. In this article, we will explore the banned brand categories for the Indian cricket teams' title sponsorship and delve into the implications of this decision. 

BCCI's Call for Tender Applications 
To begin the process of finding a new title sponsor for the Indian cricket teams, BCCI has released a notice inviting bids from reputed entities. The BCCI secretary, Jay Shah, stated that interested parties must purchase the bid document for a non-refundable fee of ₹5 lakh. However, it is important to note that merely purchasing the bid document does not guarantee eligibility to bid. Interested parties must satisfy the eligibility criteria outlined in the bid document to be considered for the title sponsorship. 

Banned Brand Categories 
In Annexure B of the bid document, BCCI has listed several brand categories that are banned from applying for the Indian cricket teams' title sponsorship. These categories include: 

(A) Athleisure and Sportswear Manufacturer: Companies specializing in the production of sportswear and athleisure wear are not eligible to apply for the title sponsorship. 

(B) Alcohol Products: Brands associated with alcohol products are prohibited from being the Indian cricket teams' title sponsor. 

(C) Betting: Companies involved in the betting industry are explicitly banned from applying for the title sponsorship. 

(D) Cryptocurrency: Given the evolving nature of cryptocurrencies, BCCI has decided to exclude brands associated with cryptocurrency from the title sponsorship. 

(E) Real Money Gaming (Except Fantasy Sports Gaming): Real money gaming platforms, except those related to fantasy sports gaming, are prohibited from becoming the title sponsor. 

(F) Tobacco: In line with efforts to promote a healthy and tobacco-free environment, brands related to tobacco products are not eligible for the title sponsorship. 

(G) Brands Offending Public Morals: BCCI has also highlighted that brands likely to offend public morals, including pornography and other similar categories, are not allowed to apply for the Indian cricket teams' title sponsorship. 

This comprehensive list of banned brand categories reflects BCCI's commitment to maintaining a positive and responsible image for the Indian cricket teams. 

Implications for the Indian Cricket Teams 
The absence of a title sponsor for the Indian cricket teams during the recent World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia had minimal impact since ICC tournaments do not allow teams to display title sponsors on their chests. Instead, the logos are placed on the right or left arm. For example, the Australian cricket team had the logo of their kit manufacturer, Asics, on the right arm, while the logo of their title sponsor, Qantas Airlines, was placed on the left arm. However, India's kit sponsor, Adidas, was the only visible logo during the WTC final. 

With the upcoming tour against the West Indies, the Indian cricket teams are keen to secure a new title sponsor. The tour is scheduled to include two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is, starting with the Test series on July 12. The title sponsorship provides significant financial support to the teams and helps create a strong brand association. 

The BCCI's decision to release a list of banned brand categories for the Indian cricket teams' title sponsorship reflects the board's commitment to maintaining a responsible and positive image. By excluding brand categories such as alcohol, tobacco, betting, and those likely to offend public morals, BCCI aims to align the Indian cricket teams with brands that resonate with the values of sportsmanship, health, and public well-being. As the search for a new title sponsor begins, the Indian cricket teams look forward to forging a successful partnership that will support their endeavors on and off the field. 

Additional Information 

1. The last date for purchasing the bid document is June 26th.
2. BCCI has provided separate payment details for Indian and overseas entities interested in bidding for the title sponsorship.
3. The bid document outlines the eligibility criteria and terms and conditions for interested parties.