In what could be a rare sight in modern cricket, Team India may take the field at the Asia Cup 2025 without a jersey sponsor, following the sudden exit of fantasy sports giant Dream11. According to reports from India Today and NDTV, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not yet secured a replacement, and with the tournament beginning on September 9, time is running out.
A BCCI emergency meeting, chaired by interim president Rajeev Shukla, was held on Thursday to discuss sponsorship issues. While potential alternatives were discussed, no clear timeline was set for finalizing a new deal.
Earlier this week, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the end of the board’s association with Dream11, adding that deliberations were underway to find a new lead sponsor.
“Under the new legislation, it will be difficult for BCCI to continue with Dream11 or any other identical gaming companies. So, there is a roadblock and I don’t think BCCI will be able to continue with Dream11 now. We are deliberating on an alternative course of action at this stage,” Saikia told IANS.
The End of a Big Deal
Dream11 had stepped in as Team India’s lead sponsor in July 2023, signing a three year contract worth ₹358 crore, replacing edtech major Byju’s. The company had also maintained a strong presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) through multiple franchise tie ups and even served as the IPL’s title sponsor in 2020, after Vivo’s withdrawal.
But the landscape shifted dramatically after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 was passed in both houses of Parliament and later received the assent of President Droupadi Murmu. The new law forced Dream11 to suspend all money based online gaming contests, which formed the company’s core business.
No Penalties for Dream11
As per reports, Dream11 will not incur penalties for ending its contract prematurely. The agreement had a safeguard clause protecting the sponsor in the event of a government ban on its main line of business, ensuring the company would not be liable to pay the BCCI.
What Next for Team India?
With less than two weeks before the Asia Cup opener against the UAE, India faces the unusual prospect of playing in sponsor less jerseys. While the BCCI is already working on securing a fresh deal that could extend until the 2027 ODI World Cup, the process is expected to take time.
For now, cricket fans might witness a throwback of sorts an iconic Indian team jersey carrying only the tricolour and the BCCI emblem, without a commercial sponsor’s logo.
