In a dramatic turn of events, fantasy gaming giant Dream11 has withdrawn as the title sponsor of Team India, sending ripples across the cricketing fraternity. The move comes barely days before the Men in Blue fly out to Dubai for the Asia Cup 2025, leaving fans to wonder what the Indian jersey will look like without the familiar logo emblazoned on it.
The decision follows the passing of the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill 2025, which has now become law with President Droupadi Murmu’s assent. The bill effectively bans real-money gaming advertisements, imposing strict penalties including fines up to ₹50 lakh and possible jail time for violators.
BCCI Forced Into Action
With Dream11 backing out, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) will now be forced to float a fresh tender for the coveted jersey sponsorship rights. According to reports, jerseys with the Dream11 logo were already printed for the Asia Cup, but they will now remain unused. For the first time in years, India could step onto the field without a sponsor’s name on their kit.
Speaking on the issue, BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia maintained a firm stance:
“If it’s not permitted, we won’t do it. The BCCI will abide by every policy made by the central government.”
End of a Lucrative Deal
Dream11 had come on board in 2023, replacing Byju’s, with a whopping ₹358 crore deal roughly ₹3 crore per home game and ₹1 crore per overseas fixture. The deal was seen as a major lifeline for Indian cricket sponsorship, but its abrupt end highlights the growing impact of India’s evolving stance on online gaming.
The Road Ahead
For now, India’s focus remains firmly on defending their crown in Dubai, starting September 9 against the UAE. Yet, the absence of a sponsor’s logo could mark a symbolic moment a reminder of how much off-field regulations can reshape the business of cricket.
As the countdown to the Asia Cup 2025 begins, one thing is clear: when Rohit Sharma and his men walk out in their fresh blue kits, they may just be making a statement in simplicity playing only for the tricolour.
