The BCCI’s image as the dominant global cricketing body, despite off field matters remains undiminished. Therefore it came as no surprise that there was intense competition in gaining a spot as the main sponsors of the Indian cricket team to tap into the vast following of the county's leading sport commands in the worlds fastest growing economy.
Earlier this year, OPPO Mobiles India pvt ltd (OPPO) outbid VIVO and bagged the rights as the main sponsor of team India. This came at a cost of a whopping INR 1079.29 Cr for a 5 year association. It includes a minimum of 34 series/ICC tournaments (222 bilateral games and 32 ICC tournament matches). This makes the approximate cost per match rise to an all-time high of INR 4.21 Cr, nearly doubling the previous amount paid by Star for a similar sponsorship.
OPPO now joins renowned local and global firms such as PayTm, PepsiCo and Hyundai among others as team India sponsors. They are known for their aggressive marketing and plan to attract younger viewers who are deeply passionate of Indian cricket. The company has stated that their selfie specific camera phones are aimed at the youth more than any other demographic.
Mr. Rahul Johri, CEO of BCCI, expressed his joy in BCCI being associated with OPPO. He said that the scale of the sponsorship bids were a testimony to the strength of Indian cricket. Mr.Sky Li, President of OPPO India, feels cricket in India is not just a sport, it's a way of life akin to culture or religion. Li said, "We hope that we can co-operate with the cricket team, which will also help our brand value in the future”
OPPO launched the new team India jersey at a glamorous ceremony in Mumbai earlier this month. Two members of staff represented the ICF community at this event. ICF and OPPO share the same desire of taking the cricketing experience for Indian fans to a whole new interactive level. We hope that this association with OPPO continues for a prolonged period.
Team ICF wishes BCCI and OPPO the very best.We hope that this partnership will allow Indian cricket to propel itself into an even more glorious future.
Cheers.
ICF Staff