BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla has confirmed that the Indian cricket team’s new jersey sponsor will be finalised within the next two weeks. Team India entered the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 without a shirt sponsor after the board ended its ₹358-crore annual deal with Dream11, following the enactment of the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill.
The BCCI has already floated a fresh tender, making it clear that companies associated with real-money gaming, betting, cryptocurrency, and alcoholic products will not be eligible to bid. Shukla, speaking at an event in Singapore, revealed that interest has been high.
“The tender process has been released and there are a lot of bidders. We will announce once it is finalised. I think it will be completed in 15–20 days,” he said.
ALSO READ: Anurag Thakur Explains Why India Must Play Pakistan In Asia Cup 2025 Game
When asked about frontrunners, Rajeev Shukla remained tight-lipped, reiterating that no single bidder has been shortlisted yet. Based on his timeline, India’s next jersey sponsor is likely to be confirmed between September 28 and October 3.
Shukla also weighed in on the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) hike for IPL tickets, which now fall under the 40% slab—putting them in the same category as casinos and race clubs. As a result, a ₹500 ticket will cost around ₹700, while a ₹2,000 ticket will shoot up to ₹2,800. However, standard international and domestic fixtures will continue to attract an 18% GST.
Acknowledging concerns about the impact on fans, Rajeev Shukla said: “I see a lot of common people coming to watch IPL. It will definitely affect them, but I am hopeful that the stadiums will still be full.”
ALSO READ: Iceland Cricket Takes A Dig At Pakistan Ahead Of Asia Cup Clash Against Oman
Responding to criticism that the BCCI enjoys tax exemptions, Shukla clarified: “We pay thousands of crores in taxes. BCCI pays income tax and GST like any corporate company, and state associations also contribute. We have never taken a single rupee grant from the government.”
