The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has prohibited fantasy gaming companies from bidding for the title sponsor of IPL 2024. BCCI are on the hunt for a new title sponsor for the league, with the previous sponsors Tata Group paying Rs 360 cr for the last two editions after taking over from previous sponsors Vivo.
Fantasy gaming cos banned from IPL title sponsorship bid
According to Cricbuzz, one of the conditions that deem a company ineligible to bid for the rights of IPL’s title sponsor include companies directly or indirectly engaging in fantasy gaming.
“Bidder operating/engaged directly or indirectly in fantasy gaming. To clarify, a Bidder, including any of its Group companies, engaged or operating in the business of fantasy sports gaming, is not permitted to submit a Bid“, one of the BCCI’s conditions read.
Dream11 was previously the title sponsor for IPL in 2020, having been awarded the contract for Rs 222 cr. The upcoming sponsorship agreement for IPL 2024 is set to span five years, extending until 2028.
Other companies that are prohibited include companies engaged in betting and gambling related activities, cryptocurrencies, engaged in multiple brand/project categories one of which is relating to alcohol products or tobacco, engaged directly or indirectly in athleisure, performance wear and sportswear. Bidders are also prohibited from submitting Bids through surrogate brands.
While there hasn’t been much interest shown towards the sponsorship tender, Cricbuzz reported that the deadline to purchase the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document was January 8 and that the bidding process will take place between January 13-14.