The BCCI on Thursday invited bids for the title sponsorship rights of the board’s international and domestic matches after the telecom giant Airtel decided not to renew the contract even after three months’ grace period. Interestingly —going by the current economic slowdown — the Board has floated tenders only for a period of six months. The cash-rich board hopes that next year there will be a turnaround in the markets and the Board will be in position to attract higher bids.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India has published an ITT (Invitation to Tender) for Title Sponsorship rights for BCCI international and domestic matches for the period October 2013 to 31st March 2014,’ BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said.
There are two international series currently scheduled during the period — the seven-match ODI and a T20 series between India and Australia, followed by the two Tests and three ODI’s against the West Indies. Sponsorship rights will extend to the domestic events such as Irani Cup, Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Vijay Hazare KO, Deodhar Trophy and Raj Singh Dungarpur Trophy. The ITT will be available at the BCCI headquarters in Wankhede Stadium from September 20-26 at a cost of ` 2 lakh.