The Board of Control for Cricket in India learned that broadcaster Star India, the current jersey sponsor of the senior men’s and women’s cricket teams, as well as the U19 squad, "decided against bidding for the apparel sponsorship again," according to the NEW INDIAN EXPRESS. While citing a "lack of clarity" on the game’s future, Star India CEO Uday Shankar said, "We have been very proud that our name is carried on the jersey of team India. But given all the uncertainties, we have decided not to bid for it again. The commitments being asked for are too onerous without any clarity." The current sponsorship deal between the BCCI and Star India will expire in March (NEW INDIAN EXPRESS, 2/28). FIRSTPOST's Vedam Jaishankar reported Star TV’s decision "is a major setback." It comes on "the heels of the resignation" of BCCI GM R.P. Shah, who was considered to be one of the "big decision makers" for the BCCI. It leaves the Board "without a sponsor and an experienced person to negotiate and drive fresh ones." Star reportedly pays the BCCI close to Rs 2 crore ($300,000) per match for bilateral series and Rs 60 lakh ($90,000) per game for Int'l Cricket Council tournaments. As "is evident, these sums of money would make business sense for Star only for India’s matches against Australia, England and Pakistan" as they attract "huge" TV audiences (FIRSTPOST, 2/28).
