Muthoot Fincorp bags title rights for India’s home season

The rights to Indian cricket's title sponsorship for the next two home seasons have been purchased by Muthoot Fincorp.

According to sources, the base price for the title sponsorship, which is referred to as "Blue Muthoot," was reportedly negotiated at INR 4.85 crore per match. There are also suggestions that the final price might be lower than the base price; however, once the BCCI officially announces the deal, clarity is expected.

A lack of serious bidders for the rights had delayed the announcement of the new title sponsor. The high base price was partly to blame for the lack of interest, according to industry sources. The previous title sponsors, IDFC First Bank, had been paying INR 4.2 crore per match.

The title sponsor would have been selected on August 13, the deadline specified in the BCCI's Invitation to Tender (ITT). If there had been a competitive bidding process. However, when no bidders emerged, the BCCI began negotiating with potential parties, including reportedly contacting Google Gemini, IDFC First Bank, Spinny, and SBI Life.

Along with Campa and ChatGPT, SBI Life eventually became an Associate Partner of the BCCI. The three businesses have agreed to work together for two seasons, starting with India's home series against the West Indies in March 2028.

Owned by the Kochi-based Muthoot family, Muthoot Fincorp will hold the title rights for all international and domestic matches played in India until March 31, 2028. During the period, the agreement will cover approximately 35 domestic internationals, including 10 Tests, 12 ODIs, and 13 T20Is.

The partnership will take effect immediately and will be reflected in the ODI series against the West Indies, beginning on September 27. Coincidentally, the series will get underway in Muthoot’s home state of Kerala, with the first ODI scheduled to be played in Thiruvananthapuram.