Cricket, Crypto, and Chaos: BCCI Bans Bitcoin Barons from Bid Bonanza đŸš«đŸ

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It appears the good folks at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have been busier than a butler at a garden party. They’ve just announced an Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI)-a phrase so thrilling it could make even Jeeves raise an eyebrow-for companies wishing to sponsor Team India. But lo and behold, cryptocurrency firms have been given the boot faster than a cricketer caught napping on the pitch. One can almost hear the collective gasp of Bitcoin billionaires everywhere.

According to the BCCI’s press release, this IEOI outlines the rules for those brave souls seeking to plaster their logos across the noble chests of our national cricket team. Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia, no doubt a man of great gravitas, assures us that all terms for bid submission and evaluation are spelled out with meticulous precision. It’s like reading a mystery novel, except instead of “Who killed Colonel Mustard?” the question is, “How much did it cost to submit this bid?”

Speaking of which, interested parties must fork over a non-refundable fee of INR 5,00,000 plus GST-because nothing says “national pride” like a hefty tax bill. For foreign entities, the price tag is a cool USD 5,675. Presumably, they’ll also throw in a complimentary handshake and a pat on the back. Indian bidders, meanwhile, are directed to deposit their rupees into a Bank of Maharashtra account, while international aspirants must navigate the labyrinthine world of correspondent banking. Truly, the stuff of legends.

But wait, there’s more! To qualify as a potential sponsor, companies need an average turnover or net worth of INR 300 crore over the past three years. And let’s not forget the BCCI’s charming requirement that bidders be deemed a ‘Fit and Proper Person.’ This means no criminal convictions, no conflicts of interest, and absolutely no hobnobbing with willful defaulters. It’s almost as if the board has decided to impose standards higher than those expected of your average politician. Fancy that!

And now for the piĂšce de rĂ©sistance: crypto-related companies are persona non grata. Joining them on the banned list are purveyors of alcohol, betting, online gaming (thanks to the 2025 Gaming Act), tobacco, and anything remotely offensive-such as pornography. Quite right too; one wouldn’t want Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar sharing screen space with something unsavory. The BCCI has also barred certain brand categories due to existing sponsors, including athleisure, sportswear, and financial services. Surrogate branding? Forbidden. It’s like a game of musical chairs, only with fewer chairs and far stricter rules.

This isn’t the first time the BCCI has played whack-a-mole with cryptocurrency ads. Back in February 2023, they banned such promotions during the Women’s Premier League (WPL). A 68-page advisory was sent to teams, detailing what was verboten. And then, in March 2025, they extended the ban to the Indian Premier League (IPL), thanks to a stern word from India’s health ministry. Tobacco ads? Gone. Cryptocurrency ads? Also gone. One wonders if the next step will be banning advertisements for overly enthusiastic uncles at family gatherings.

So there you have it, dear reader. The BCCI has drawn its line in the sand-or perhaps more accurately, its crease on the pitch-and declared that crypto barons shall not pass. Whether this move will usher in a golden age of cricket sponsorship or merely leave a few digital millionaires sulking remains to be seen. Either way, one thing is certain: the drama surrounding Team India’s sponsorship saga is far from over. đŸŽ©đŸđŸ’Œ

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2025-09-02 16:54