ICC Announces Multi-Year Partnership With Marriott Bonvoy: Benefits for Cricket Fans

Cricket fans worldwide just got a massive upgrade to their match-day experience. The International Cricket Council has locked in a groundbreaking global partnership with Marriott Bonvoy that runs through 2029, covering all major ICC men’s events. This deal kicks off with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 scheduled to begin February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, promising fans premium accommodation options and exclusive travel experiences when following their favorite teams.

What This Partnership Actually Means for Cricket Fans

Marriott Bonvoy becomes the Official Accommodation Partner for the ICC, bringing together cricket’s biggest tournaments with one of the world’s largest hotel portfolios. With over 450 properties spread across key cricket markets, fans traveling to watch international cricket will now have access to seamless booking experiences, exclusive packages, and member benefits that make following the game globally much more convenient.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah emphasized the partnership’s deeper purpose beyond simple sponsorship visibility. “We are thrilled to welcome Marriott Bonvoy into a partnership that reflects a shared ambition to redefine how fans experience the game of cricket,” Shah said, highlighting the focus on creating meaningful value rather than just brand exposure.

The Timeline and Tournament Coverage

This multi-year agreement extends through 2029, covering an exciting lineup of ICC men’s events that will take cricket fans across continents. The partnership officially launches with the upcoming tournament in India and Sri Lanka next month, setting the stage for years of enhanced fan experiences.

Key Tournament Coverage:

• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 (India & Sri Lanka)
• ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025
• ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027
• ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028
• All other ICC men’s events through 2029

This comprehensive coverage ensures that whether you’re following Twenty20 cricket, ODI tournaments, or Test championships, Marriott Bonvoy’s network will be available to support your travel plans. For detailed match schedules and venues, visit the T20 World Cup 2026 fixtures page.

How Marriott Bonvoy’s Global Footprint Benefits Traveling Fans

The partnership leverages Marriott Bonvoy’s massive international presence, particularly in cricket-loving nations where ICC events regularly take place. With 450+ properties across key markets and 260 million loyalty program members worldwide, the scale of this collaboration is unprecedented in cricket sponsorship.

Rajeev Menon, President of Asia Pacific for Marriott International, highlighted cricket’s unifying power: “Cricket’s dominance as a sport has the power to unite fans across different countries. We’re now bringing the power of Marriott Bonvoy to over two billion fans and delivering bespoke cricket experiences to our 260 million Marriott Bonvoy members.”

Exclusive Travel Packages Through ICC Travel and Tours

Beyond standard accommodation bookings, the partnership introduces exclusive travel packages available through ICC Travel and Tours. These curated experiences will bundle match tickets, premium lodging, transportation, and potentially special access opportunities that regular ticket holders won’t get.

Expected Package Benefits:

• Priority accommodation booking at tournament venues
• Exclusive Marriott Bonvoy member discounts
• Bundled match tickets with hotel stays
• Transportation arrangements between venues
• Access to special fan zones and hospitality areas
• Potential meet-and-greet opportunities with cricket legends

Fans interested in these premium experiences can sign up for updates through the official ICC channels, with more details expected as the tournament dates approach.

ICC’s Growing Commercial Portfolio Strength

This Marriott Bonvoy partnership doesn’t exist in isolation. The ICC has been strategically building an impressive roster of global brand partnerships that elevate cricket’s commercial appeal and deliver tangible value to fans.

Recent major partnerships include:

• Hyundai Motor as automotive partner
• AB InBev for beverage sponsorship
• Emirates as long-standing airline partner
• Aramco for energy sector representation
• DP World for logistics support
• Sobha in real estate
• Coca-Cola for non-alcoholic beverages
• Google and Unilever specifically for women’s cricket events

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta explained the strategic thinking behind these partnerships: “The ICC is committed to elevating the experiential standards of cricket’s pinnacle events. While the athletic spectacle is central to a fan’s experience, the lifestyle, hospitality, travel and cultural components are essential too.”

This holistic approach recognizes that modern sports fans seek complete experiences, not just watching matches. They want seamless travel, comfortable accommodations, quality food and beverage options, and memorable cultural immersion in host countries.

What Makes This Different From Traditional Sports Sponsorships

Traditional sports sponsorships often focus heavily on visibility through logo placement, advertising boards, and broadcast mentions. While the Marriott Bonvoy partnership includes these elements, it goes much deeper by fundamentally improving the fan journey from home to stadium and back.

Traditional Sponsorship Model:

• Logo on boundaries and advertising boards
• Commercial breaks during broadcasts
• Brand mentions by commentators
• Social media promotion

ICC-Marriott Bonvoy Partnership Model:

• All traditional elements PLUS
• Direct service provision to traveling fans
• Exclusive loyalty program integration
• Curated travel package creation
• Enhanced cultural and lifestyle experiences
• Long-term relationship building with cricket audiences

Satya Anand, President for Europe, Middle East and Africa at Marriott International, captured this distinction perfectly: “Cricket has been a lifelong passion for me, and like millions of fans, I’ve felt how the game brings people together across borders and generations. Partnering with the International Cricket Council allows Marriott Bonvoy to turn that shared passion into unforgettable journeys.”

Impact on the Upcoming Tournament in India and Sri Lanka

With the partnership launching just weeks before the first matches, fans planning to attend the tournament in February should start exploring their accommodation options now. India and Sri Lanka both feature strong Marriott Bonvoy property concentrations, particularly in cities hosting matches like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Colombo, and Kandy. Stay informed about all developments through latest tournament updates.

The timing also allows Marriott Bonvoy to showcase its capabilities during one of cricket’s most-watched events, potentially setting new standards for fan experiences that will influence how future tournaments are organized and sponsored.

How Marriott Bonvoy Members Can Maximize Benefits

Existing Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program members stand to gain the most from this partnership. With 260 million members globally, a significant portion already follows cricket passionately. The integration creates natural synergies between travel loyalty and sports fandom.

Member Advantages:

• Points earning on ICC event bookings
• Potential bonus point promotions during tournaments
• Member-exclusive room rates and availability
• Priority booking windows for high-demand dates
• Special recognition at ICC event properties
• Possible complimentary upgrades during tournaments

Non-members attending cricket events might find joining the program worthwhile specifically for tournament travel, especially if planning to attend multiple matches across different cities or countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the ICC Marriott Bonvoy partnership start?
The partnership officially begins with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 starting February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, and extends through 2029 covering all ICC men’s events.

What hotels are included in this partnership?
Marriott Bonvoy’s entire portfolio of 450+ properties across key cricket markets is available, spanning brands from luxury to budget-friendly options in tournament host countries.

Can I book travel packages for the T20 World Cup 2026?
Yes, exclusive travel packages bundling accommodation, match tickets, and experiences will be available through ICC Travel and Tours. Fans can sign up for updates on the official ICC website.

Do I need to be a Marriott Bonvoy member to benefit?
While anyone can book Marriott properties during ICC events, Marriott Bonvoy members will receive exclusive benefits, discounts, and potentially special access opportunities not available to non-members.

Which ICC tournaments does this partnership cover?
The partnership covers all ICC men’s events through 2029, including T20 World Cups, Cricket World Cups, Champions Trophy, and other major international tournaments organized by the ICC.

How is this different from just booking a hotel normally?
Beyond standard bookings, the partnership offers curated travel packages, exclusive member benefits, integrated match ticket bundling, and special fan experiences only available through the ICC-Marriott Bonvoy collaboration