BCCI not satisfied with team sponsorship bids

The Board of Control for Cricket in India is not satisfied with the bids it has recieved for sponsorship of the Indian cricket team. This was disclosed by its treasurer Kishore Rungta on Wednesday.

Rungta informed that automobile maker Hero Honda is the only company among four bidders -- the others being 21st Century, Gayatri Arts and Sporting Frontiers -- while the others are agents for various companies. He did not identify the companies.

The BCCI is looking for a new sponsor after Indian cigarette maker ITC pulled out of their deal following the government's move to ban tobacco sponsorship.

The four bids were opened at a marketing committee meeting on Tuesday.

"The highest bids at the moment match what ITC was giving us. Since that contract was done last year, we were looking for much higher bids this time," Rungta said.

ITC paid 3.7 million rupees for every Test match played by India and 3.45 million rupees for every one-day international.

Last year, India played 34 one-day internationals and six Tests.

Rungta said the board is now trying to negotiate with the bidders.

"Bidding is a new thing. Normally these deals are finalised through successful negotiations. We're hopeful we'll manage to get a much higher bid after we talk to the interested parties," he said.

However, he said, in the event of talks failing the board may seek fresh bids.

"A review will have to be taken fast," Rungta added.

"We have to make a final decision within the next fortnight because everything must be in place by the time India tours Zimbabwe."

The Indian team leaves for a Test and triangular one-day series in Zimbabwe on May 27.

Mail Cricket Editor