For the future Asia Cup 2025, the Indian cricket team could go onto the field in sponsor free shirts. This was the result of Dream11, a well famous fantasy sportswear company, decided to step away from its sponsorship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The news was first reported by India Today.
From July 2023 going ahead, Dream11 had taken on the responsibility as the Indian team’s key sponsor. The company entered into a three year brand partnership valued at ₹358 crore,replacing the earlier partner Byju’s. The company was also a big part of the Indian Premier League (IPL), having tie ups with many teams and even acting as the title sponsor in 2020 when Vivo stepped away.
Why Dream11 Left
The reason behind Dream11’s exit is a new law passed in 2025. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill was recently approved in both houses of Parliament and signed by President Droupadi Murmu. Because of this law, Dream11 had to stop all money based online games on its platform.
Since their main business was banned, it became impossible for BCCI to continue with them as the team’s sponsor. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia revealed that the deal with Dream11 has officialy closed. He also pointed out that as per the new rules the board cannot partner with Dream11 or companies of the same kind.
BCCI Searching for a New Sponsor
With the Asia Cup set to begin on September 9, the sudden exit of Dream11 has put the BCCI in a tough situation, as the team is now left without a jersey sponsor at a crucial time. To address this urgent matter, the board quickly called for an emergency meeting on Thursday.
The meeting was chaired by Rajeev Shukla, who is serving as the interim president of the BCCI, and focused on finding immediate solutions and exploring possible choices before the tournament. The board joined on Thursday for an important talk, chaired by Rajeev Shukla, who is serving as the temporary president of BCCI.
During this meeting, the board discussed options for a new sponsor. However, no final timeline was set. Reports suggest that finding a new lead sponsor could take a long time, possibly until the 2027 ODI World Cup. As a result, the Indian players could be seen playing the Asia Cup in plain jerseys, there will be no sponsor on thier Jersey,s.
No Penalty for Dream11
Dream11 will not be required to pay any fine for walking away out of the partnership cut short. Their contract had a clause that protected them if their main business was banned by the government. Because of this, they don’t have to pay anything extra to BCCI.
What’s Next for Indian Cricket?
The lack of a sponsor for such a big tournament is unusual, especially for a team as popular as India. Usually, the Indian cricket team’s jersey space is highly sought after by companies. But with the new gaming law, options have become limited.
The BCCI will now have to look for companies from other industries that are willing to step in as the lead sponsor. Until a new sponsor is finalized, the Men in Blue might be spotted in sponsor less jerseys at the Asia Cup 2025. For now, cricket will remain the main focus, but the sponsorship issue shows how quickly things can change off the field too.