BCCI title, ground sponsors to be known on Monday

The Indian board will announce the name of sponsors for its international and domestic cricket matches for next 31 months on Monday at the conclusion of the bidding process for the rights.

"The bidding process will end at 12 noon [on Monday]," said Lalit Modi, the BCCI vice-president and marketing committee head, who declined to reveal details on the number of bids received so far.

The BCCI had invited bids from sponsors earlier this month for ground and title naming rights for all ODIs and Tests to be played in India and featuring the country from September 1, 2007 to March 31, 2010.

Similarly, bids had also been invited for all Twenty20 internationals to be held in India as well as matches featuring India A and India juniors against international teams.

It had also invited bids for the rights of its domestic tournaments, including the Ranji Trophy, N K P Salve Challenger Series, Duleep Trophy, Deodhar Trophy, Irani Trophy and the Premier (one-day) Cup.

A sponsor or agency for the branding of umpires' clothing for all domestic ties had also been sought for through the bidding process by the BCCI.

The bids are to be opened at 2 pm on August 27 in front of the board's marketing committee and the bidders at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai.

But the board has also reserved the right to cancel or amend the entire bidding process at any stage and to reject any and all bids without assigning any reason.