Mastercard Replaces Paytm As Team India’s Title Sponsor 

Mastercard has secured a title sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for all national team matches and domestic first-class games.

The financial services behemoth replaces homegrown payment solutions brand Paytm, which had acquired the title sponsorship rights ahead of the 2019 season, in a deal running until 2023 and reportedly worth US$476k per match.  

Earlier this year, Paytm had held talks with the BCCI over handing over the remainder of its contract to Mastercard. This has now been confirmed, with Mastercard’s deal encompassing all national team games, domestic cricket competitions – including the Irani Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy – as well as India’s national age group teams.

“The BCCI welcomes Mastercard as the title sponsor for home cricket matches for the 2022/23 season,” said Sourav Ganguly, BCCI President.

“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.”

According to ASN data, Mastercard is the 6^th highest spender with 6.2% market share (~US$8.6m) for its sponsorship category since Q1:2020 with India comprising for over 56% of its total spends, and obviously cricket dominates it.  

Mastercard’s partnership with the BCCI adds to a sponsorship portfolio that also has a personal endorsement deal with former India captain MS Dhoni. It also has its eyes on badminton, striking endorsement deals with the likes of Srikanth Kidambi, Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty.   

Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Mastercard, added, “Cricket is a perfect amalgamation of sports and entertainment with immense potential to deliver priceless moments.”

“Cricket enjoys unparalleled popularity not just in India where it is a singular unifying force for the nation, but also in several countries around the world. It is therefore particularly relevant and opportune for us to have acquired the title sponsor rights for all home international and domestic cricket matches organised by the BCCI.”