BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla on Saturday confirmed that the Indian cricket team’s new jersey sponsor will be finalised within the next two to three weeks. The bidding process for the sponsorship closes on September 16.

India currently does not have a shirt sponsor in the ongoing Asia Cup after the board’s deal with online gaming company Dream11, worth Rs 358 crore annually, was cut short following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill. The new law prohibits real-money gaming applications, forcing an early termination of the agreement.

The BCCI has since floated a fresh tender that excludes firms linked to real-money gaming, betting, cryptocurrency, and alcoholic products. “The tender process has been released and there are a lot of bidders. We will tell you after it’s finalised. I think it will be finalised in 15-20 days,” Shukla said at an event organised by real estate body CREDAI. Asked if any frontrunner had emerged, he added: “No, there is no name yet. There are a lot of bidders. We will tell you after it’s finalised.”

Shukla also touched on the government’s recent decision to increase GST on IPL tickets, which now fall under the 40 per cent slab alongside casinos and race clubs. The hike means a Rs 500 ticket will cost Rs 700, while a Rs 2,000 ticket will now be priced at Rs 2,800. International and domestic matches, however, will continue to attract 18 per cent GST. “I am seeing that a lot of common people come to watch IPL. It will definitely have an impact. But I am hopeful that a lot of people will come to watch IPL,” Shukla said.

On criticism that the board enjoys exemptions, Shukla clarified that the BCCI contributes heavily to the exchequer. “BCCI pays income tax like a corporate company. It also pays GST. We don’t have any exemptions. We pay thousands of crores of taxes. State associations also pay taxes. And we never take a single rupee grant from the government,” he said.

Speaking on the growth of women’s cricket, the BCCI vice president said significant steps have been taken to improve infrastructure, pay parity, and opportunities. “A lot of efforts are being made The only challenge is that the stadium should be full. Women should also come to watch the game. From our side we are doing everything. The salary is also at par. We are promoting women, organising tournaments, all facilities are being provided. The only thing is that people should come and watch women’s games,” Shukla said.

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