Mastercard Joins Hands With BCCI As Title Sponsor For Its International And Domestic Cricket Matches In India

Updated - 05 Sep 2022, 07:44 PM

BCCI
BCCI. Image-PTI.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced that Mastercard has acquired title sponsorship for all its international and domestic cricket matches to be held in India. Mastercard will replace Paytm as the title sponsor.

In July this year, the Indian payment company requested BCCI to agree for it to exit as the title sponsor and wanted to transfer their rights to Mastercard given that the agreement between BCCI and Paytm was from September 2019 to March 31, 2023.

The company had missed the July timeline to request for reassignment of the sponsorship. However, considering the “longstanding” relationship between the two parties, the BCCI considered Paytm’s request.

“It will be the title sponsor for all international matches (both women and men) held on home ground, domestic cricket matches like Irani Trophy, Duleep Trophy, and Ranji Trophy organized by the BCCI as also all junior cricket (Under 19 and Under 23) matches held in India,” the BCCI said in a statement on Monday.

MS-Dhoni-at-Mastercard-Event. PC- Twitter
MS-Dhoni-at-Mastercard-Event. PC- Twitter

MS Dhoni, brand ambassador of Mastercard said: “Cricket has been my life and given me everything I have. I am thrilled that Mastercard is sponsoring all the home cricket matches of the BCCI, and especially the domestic, junior and women’s cricket. The Ranji and junior players of today will play for the country tomorrow and continue to embody the pride of 1.3 billion Indians.”

Sourav Ganguly And Jay Shah Elated At The New Partnership Between BCCI And Mastercard

This agreement between Mastercard and BCCI allows the financial giants to connect with cricket lovers across the country and beyond.

BCCI Chief Sourav Ganguly
BCCI Chief Sourav Ganguly (Image Credit: Twitter)

Sourav Ganguly, President, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said “The BCCI welcomes Mastercard as the Title Sponsor for home cricket matches for the 2022-23 season. Along with the international home series, the BCCI’s domestic tournaments are crucial as they are a stepping stone towards making India a strong international side.  The BCCI truly values Mastercard’s support in building Indian cricket. This sport is more than a passion point, it’s a way of life and we look forward to some innovative experiences for the fans via this partnership and delivering value to Mastercard through this collaboration.”

Apart from cricket, Mastercard is highly invested in sponsorships worldwide with marquee properties like the UEFA Champions league, the Grammys, the Cannes Film Festival, and the Australian and French Open tennis tournaments, and Mastercard’s tie-up with the BCCI further enhances its prestigious portfolio of partnerships.

Jay Shah on Women's IPL
Photo Credit: (Twitter)

Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI said: “The BCCI is pleased to associate with a global marquee brand – Mastercard. We are in for an exciting period in Indian Cricket as we have Australia and South Africa coming over for white-ball series before the T20 World Cup and Sri Lanka, New Zealand and the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy early next year while domestic cricket has a packed calendar with the return of the Duleep Trophy and a full-fledged Ranji Trophy season. The 2022-23 season will witness a lot of action across age groups and I am confident that this will be an enriching partnership.”

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