The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) raised the reserve price of sponsoring the Indian cricket team, aiming for a significant valuation increase. Industry sources indicate the new reserve price of INR 3.5 crore per bilateral match and INR 1.5 crore per multilateral match, including ICC and ACC tournaments. This is a considerable increase from the exiting rates, wherein Dream11 acquired bilateral games for INR 3.17 crore and multilateral games for INR 1.12 crore. The development mirrors an over 10 percent increase in the valuation of bilateral sponsorship and a slight three percent increment in multilateral tournaments. Why Bilateral Matches Have Increased Value Brand visibility drives the difference in price. Under bilateral series, the logo of the sponsor is placed prominently on the chest of the players and hence is seen better. In the case of ICC and ACC events, the logo is only visible on the sleeves, thus lowering brand mileage. Also Read | Roger Binny Steps Down as BCCI President - Here’s Why The sponsorship cycle will span three years, during which the Indian team will likely play about 130 games, including the big-ticket events like the T20 World Cup in 2026 and the ODI World Cup in 2027. Going by the revised estimate, BCCI may actually agree to a deal of more than INR 400 crore, with the numbers possibly going much higher based on bidding. The tendering has been planned on September 16, thus eliminating the possibility of bringing in a new sponsor ahead of the Asia Cup starting from September 9. A top BCCI official confirmed, "The chances of an interim arrangement are virtually nil." On 2nd September, the BCCI issued its Invitation for Expression of Interest for lead sponsorship rights, excluding gaming, betting, crypto, and tobacco brands from bidding. It also kept sportswear manufacturers, banking institutions, insurance companies, and some consumer goods brands at bay to steer clear of conflicts with current partnerships. Dream11, the previous sponsor, chose not to renew its agreement following the government's new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, outlawing real-money gaming platforms in India.