ICC Announces Multi-Year Partnership With Marriott Bonvoy: What It Means For Cricket Fans

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled a groundbreaking global partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, the world’s leading travel rewards program. This multi-year collaboration running through 2029 promises to transform how cricket fans experience international tournaments, starting with the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka this February.

For the two billion cricket fans worldwide and 260 million Marriott Bonvoy members, this partnership opens doors to exclusive accommodation packages, premium travel experiences, and unprecedented access to cricket’s biggest events. As cricket continues its global expansion, this alliance between sport and hospitality creates a powerful ecosystem connecting passionate fans with unforgettable tournament experiences.

Partnership At A Glance: Key Details

The ICC-Marriott Bonvoy collaboration represents one of cricket’s most significant commercial partnerships in recent years. Here’s what makes this deal special:

What This Partnership Delivers To Cricket Fans

For travelers planning to attend ICC tournaments, this collaboration unlocks tangible benefits that extend far beyond standard hotel bookings.

Exclusive Access and Experiences

Premium Accommodation Network
Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio spans over 450 properties across key cricket markets, ensuring fans have quality accommodation options in every tournament host nation.

Official Travel Packages
Through ICC Travel and Tours, fans can access specially curated packages combining match tickets, accommodation, and exclusive experiences. These integrated offerings simplify tournament travel planning significantly.

Marriott Bonvoy Member Perks
The 260 million existing members of the rewards program will enjoy preferential booking access, potential point redemptions for tournament stays, and bespoke cricket-themed experiences.

Enhanced Fan Journey
From arrival to departure, the partnership aims to elevate every touchpoint of the tournament attendance experience, recognizing that modern sports fans seek comprehensive lifestyle experiences beyond just watching matches.

Check the complete T20 World Cup 2026 schedule to start planning your tournament accommodation needs.

Leadership Perspectives: What The Decision-Makers Say

The partnership announcement featured strong endorsements from top leadership on both sides, revealing the strategic thinking behind this collaboration.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah’s Vision

ICC Chairman Jay Shah articulated the partnership’s significance in connecting cricket with premium travel experiences:

“We are thrilled to welcome Marriott Bonvoy into a partnership that reflects a shared ambition to redefine how fans experience the game of cricket. By combining the global reach of our game with Marriott’s portfolio of world-class destinations, we are creating a powerful platform that connects cricket and memorable travel experiences across leading cricketing nations.”

Shah emphasized that Marriott Bonvoy represents more than traditional sponsorship visibility—it delivers “meaningful value to fans” through practical travel solutions.

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta On Fan Experience

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted the holistic approach to tournament experiences:

“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.”

He noted that ICC events attract fans traveling thousands of miles, making Marriott Bonvoy’s international footprint and customer focus ideal for enriching these journeys.

Marriott International’s Commitment

Rajeev Menon, President of Asia Pacific (Excluding China) for Marriott International, connected the partnership to 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.”

Satya Anand, President of EMEA for Marriott International, added a personal dimension:

“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.”

Strategic Importance: Why This Partnership Matters

This collaboration extends beyond simple accommodation arrangements—it represents strategic evolution in how global sports properties and hospitality giants work together.

For ICC

Commercial Portfolio Strengthening
Marriott Bonvoy joins an elite roster of ICC partners including Emirates, Aramco, DP World, Sobha, Coca-Cola, Hyundai Motor, AB InBev, Google, and Unilever. This diverse portfolio demonstrates ICC’s commercial momentum.

Fan-Centric Value Proposition
Rather than just adding logos to boundary boards, this partnership directly improves the tournament attendance experience for traveling fans.

Long-Term Revenue Security
The multi-year nature through 2029 provides financial stability across multiple tournament cycles.

For Marriott Bonvoy

Massive Audience Access
Direct engagement with two billion cricket fans represents unprecedented reach into passionate sports demographics across Asia, Europe, Africa, and beyond.

Member Value Enhancement
Existing Marriott Bonvoy members gain exclusive cricket-related benefits, increasing program stickiness and loyalty.

Brand Association
Alignment with cricket’s positive values and global popularity enhances Marriott’s positioning in key growth markets.

Coverage Across ICC Tournament Calendar

The partnership extends across all ICC men’s events through 2029, creating consistent touchpoints with fans over multiple tournament cycles.

Upcoming Events Covered

This comprehensive coverage ensures Marriott Bonvoy’s presence at every major men’s cricket event over the next four years.

Stay updated on all tournament developments through T20 World Cup news and updates.

How Fans Can Benefit: Practical Steps

Cricket enthusiasts planning tournament attendance should take specific actions to maximize this partnership’s advantages.

Immediate Actions

1. Sign Up for Marriott Bonvoy Membership
Registration is free and provides immediate access to partnership benefits. Visit the official ICC Travel portal to register and access exclusive packages.

2. Monitor ICC Travel and Tours
Official packages combining tickets and accommodation will launch closer to each tournament. Early registration ensures notification when bookings open.

3. Plan Tournament Travel Early
With 450+ properties across tournament markets, fans have unprecedented accommodation choices, but prime locations will book quickly.

4. Leverage Existing Memberships
Current Marriott Bonvoy members should check their accounts for cricket-specific promotions and point redemption opportunities.

5. Consider Multi-Tournament Packages
For dedicated fans, planning attendance across multiple events (2026 T20 World Cup, 2027 ODI World Cup) could unlock additional partnership benefits.

Secure your spot at cricket’s biggest party by grabbing T20 World Cup 2026 tickets and pairing them with Marriott accommodation.

The Broader Context: ICC’s Commercial Evolution

This partnership represents the latest chapter in ICC’s increasingly sophisticated commercial strategy.

Recent Partnership Momentum

The Marriott Bonvoy announcement follows closely behind major partnerships with:

Hyundai Motor – Automotive category
AB InBev – Beverage category
Google and Unilever – Women’s cricket specific partners

This rapid succession of blue-chip brands joining ICC’s portfolio signals strong commercial health and growing confidence in cricket’s global value proposition.

What Makes These Partnerships Work

Mutual Value Creation
Modern sports partnerships succeed when both parties gain tangible benefits beyond traditional sponsorship exposure.

Fan-First Approach
ICC increasingly prioritizes partners who enhance the fan experience directly, rather than just adding branding presence.

Global Reach Alignment
Partners like Marriott with existing international footprints can activate effectively across ICC’s diverse tournament locations.

Long-Term Commitment
Multi-year agreements allow deeper integration and more sophisticated activation than short-term deals.

Market Impact: Numbers That Matter

The scale of this partnership’s potential impact becomes clear when examining the underlying numbers.

The Cricket Economy

• 2+ billion fans worldwide – Cricket’s massive global following
• 260 million Marriott Bonvoy members – Existing customer base
• 450+ properties – Accommodation network across cricket markets
• 5 major tournaments – Event coverage through 2029
• Multiple host nations – Geographic diversity requiring accommodation solutions

Economic Significance

While specific financial terms weren’t disclosed, industry analysts suggest ICC’s top-tier partnerships typically command eight-figure annual values. For context:

• ICC’s 2024-2027 commercial rights exceeded $3 billion in total value
• Hotel accommodation represents the second-largest expense for tournament-traveling fans (after flights)
• Premium hospitality packages at major cricket tournaments often sell at 5-10x face ticket value

What This Means For T20 World Cup 2026

As the partnership’s debut event, the T20 World Cup 2026 starting February 7 will showcase Marriott Bonvoy’s integration into the ICC tournament experience.

Expected Activations

Exclusive Fan Zones
Marriott-branded hospitality areas at key venues in India and Sri Lanka

VIP Experiences
Premium packages combining luxury accommodation with behind-the-scenes access

Rewards Program Integration
Special point earning and redemption opportunities for tournament attendees

Digital Engagement
App-based features connecting Marriott Bonvoy members with tournament content and offers

Looking Ahead: The 2029 Vision

By the partnership’s conclusion in 2029, both organizations aim to have fundamentally transformed how cricket fans experience international tournaments.

Success Metrics

Quantitative Goals

• Thousands of tournament attendees booking through partnership channels
• Significant Marriott Bonvoy membership growth in cricket markets
• High satisfaction ratings from fans using partnership services

Qualitative Outcomes

• Seamless integration of travel and cricket attendance
• Enhanced perception of ICC tournament professionalism
• Strengthened fan loyalty through superior experiences

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When does the ICC-Marriott Bonvoy partnership begin? The partnership officially starts with the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, beginning February 7, 2026, and runs through 2029 covering all ICC men’s events.

Q: How can cricket fans access Marriott Bonvoy partnership benefits? Fans can sign up for free Marriott Bonvoy membership and book through ICC Travel and Tours for exclusive packages combining accommodation, tickets, and special experiences at tournament locations.

Q: Does this partnership cover women’s cricket events? Currently, the announced partnership specifically covers ICC men’s events through 2029. Women’s cricket has separate partners including Google and Unilever.

Q: How many Marriott properties are available across ICC tournament markets? Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio includes over 450 properties across key ICC event markets, ensuring accommodation options in all major cricket-hosting nations.

Q: What makes this partnership different from traditional cricket sponsorships? Unlike visibility-focused sponsorships, this partnership delivers direct value to fans through premium accommodation, exclusive travel packages, and enhanced tournament experiences via ICC’s Official Accommodation Partner.

Q: Can existing Marriott Bonvoy members use points for cricket tournament stays? While specific point redemption structures weren’t detailed in the announcement, the partnership promises bespoke cricket experiences for the 260 million existing Marriott Bonvoy members, suggesting point-based options will be available.