In a landmark move for Indian sports marketing, IDFC First Bank has acquired the title sponsorship rights for all Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) international and domestic home matches. Announced on August 25, 2025, this three-year agreement covers men’s and women’s international fixtures, prestigious domestic tournaments such as the Ranji Trophy, Irani Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and all Under-19 and Under-23 matches across India.
The bidding saw IDFC First edge past rival Sony Pictures Networks by agreeing to pay Rs 4.2 crore per fixture—totalling approximately Rs 235 crore for 56 international matches scheduled through August 2026. This new sponsorship exceeds the previous cycle’s per-match fee paid by MasterCard and Paytm, reflecting both the value of Indian cricket and the bank’s ambition to build deeper ties with cricket fans nationwide.
The partnership will debut with the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia next month. In official statements, BCCI President Roger Binny highlighted, “IDFC First’s commitment and vision resonate with cricket’s spirit, and we look forward to a successful collaboration that benefits the game and its dedicated fans.” BCCI Secretary Jay Shah celebrated the start of “a new chapter in Indian cricket,” noting shared goals of excellence and innovation.
IDFC First’s Executive Director & COO, Madhivanan Balakrishnan, described the deal as “an important milestone in our journey towards creating a world-class bank,” emphasizing the unifying power of sports and the bank’s reach across India. Cricket experts expect this partnership to deliver greater fan engagement, unique brand activations, and further elevate the cricket experience for millions.
Industry watchers say this sponsorship cements IDFC First’s status as a major brand in Indian sports and showcases the immense commercial value of BCCI properties at a time when the cricket ecosystem continues rapid growth.
