Dream11's Possible Departure from Team India
As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, Team India might find itself without one of its prominent sponsors, Dream11. This potential withdrawal follows the recent enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which could significantly alter the sponsorship dynamics in Indian cricket.
The bill, which has been approved by both houses of Parliament, seeks to impose restrictions on real-money gaming platforms in India, raising concerns about gambling and its impact on younger audiences. Consequently, companies like Dream11 may no longer be allowed to appear on the jerseys of the Indian cricket team, posing a considerable challenge for this leading fantasy sports platform.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has made the board's position clear:
“If it’s not permissible, we won’t proceed. The BCCI will adhere to all policies established by the central government,” he stated.
With Dream11's exit likely, the competition for Team India's jersey sponsorship is heating up. Several major companies are emerging as potential candidates:
Tata Group - Already a significant player in cricket through its IPL sponsorship.
Reliance Jio - Known for its strong connections to sports broadcasting and events.
Adani Group - Expanding its investments in the sports sector across India.
The burgeoning fintech sector in India may also join the sponsorship race. Companies like Zerodha, Angel One, and Groww, along with leading insurance firms, could leverage cricket's vast audience to enhance their brand visibility.
Automobile giants such as Mahindra and Toyota, which are expanding their presence in India, might view jersey sponsorship as a valuable marketing opportunity. Additionally, FMCG brands like Pepsi, which have a long-standing relationship with cricket, could consider re-entering the sponsorship arena.
With the Asia Cup scheduled to kick off on September 9, 2025, the BCCI faces a pressing deadline to secure a new sponsorship deal. Insiders have indicated that jerseys featuring Dream11 logos have already been produced but will not be utilized for the tournament, creating an urgent need to fill this sponsorship void.
Dream11 had entered into a substantial Rs 358 crore agreement with the BCCI in 2023, contributing Rs 3 crore for each home match and Rs 1 crore for every away game. Should the Online Gaming Bill be strictly enforced, this partnership could come to an end, marking a significant sponsorship exit in the history of Indian cricket.
If a new sponsor is not found before the Asia Cup, Team India may take the field without a primary sponsor, a rare occurrence in contemporary cricket. However, given the immense brand value associated with Indian cricket, a competitive bidding process is expected to unfold shortly thereafter, with major corporations eager to secure the coveted jersey space.
