BCCI calls for new sponsors

The Board of Control for Cricket in India on Monday issued a notice inviting fresh tender bids from corporate sponsors interested in associating with the Indian cricket team.

The sponsorship is open for a period of four years from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009, a statement from the BCCI said.

There are separate tenders for main sponsors and official kit suppliers.

The tender for sponsors has been further divided into two categories -- Team Sponsor for all matches to be played on home and away basis and another Sponsor for all ICC tournaments, like the Champions Trophy and World Cup.

BCCI vice-president and a key member of its Marketing Committee, Lalit Modi, said he is looking forward to a good response from corporate India.

"We are happy to announce the issue of fresh tenders for team sponsorship and official kit suppliers. Corporate India has always shown great enthusiasm for the game of cricket and we are looking forward to establishing a relationship and furthering the future of cricket through their association," Modi said in the statement.

BCCI had a comprehensive sponsorship deal with Sahara, whose three-year association with the team ended last month.