With just one bidder in fray, the BCCI on Thursday awarded the title sponsorship for all domestic and international cricket tournaments in India for the year 2013-14 to Star Private ltd. and ESPN Software at the base price of `2 crore per fixture, almost `1.5 crore less than the previous deal with Airtel.
The new deal was inked at the BCCI’s marketing committee meeting here on Thursday and Board secretary Sanjay Patel said they were not disappointed with the reduced price considering the “turmoil in the financial market”.
“The Marketing Committee has awarded the Title Sponsorship Rights for all series to be played in India in the 2013-14 season to Star India Pvt. ltd and ESPN Software India Pvt. ltd, at a fee of Rs 2 crore per international match,” Patel said.
There are two international series scheduled during the period between October, 2013 and March, 2014 — the seven-match ODI series and a T20 game between India and Australia, followed by two Tests and three ODIs against the West Indies. “The market situation is such that at one point of time we thought it will be very difficult to get the sponsorship considering the turmoil in the financial market. But we are very happy (with price),” Patel told reporters after the meeting here.
“We are pleased that Star and ESPN Group bid for both the series. That means Australia and West Indies (series) and the deal will be close to `26 crore. Only one bid was there and the minimum bidding price (is what) they have accepted,” he said.
Patel dismissed suggestions that the recent spot-fix controversies surrounding the Board’s cash-rich IPl had marred its prospects in selling the rights at a better price. “I don’t think negative news has got anything to do with these kind of things. Cricket is going on well. Our teams are doing good. It is not attributed to any image (of the Board). According to us there is no question of a bad image.”
Patel said considering the economic downturn, the BCCI has managed to get a decent deal. “The deal is always market driven. One has to be happy with the market situation. Rather than concentrating on less or more price, we should concentrate on what you are getting as per the market situation. We are quite happy that as per the market situation, the price is not bad.”
Sponsorship rights will extend to domestic events such as Irani Cup, Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy, Vijay Hazare, Deodhar Trophy and Raj Singh Dungarpur Trophy.