In a shocking turn of events before the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian team will most likely be playing without a lead sponsor on their uniforms. This comes after Dream 11 withdrew from its sponsorship agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Why Dream 11 Ended Their Sponsorship Deal
The move by Dream11 to cancel the contract follows the Indian government’s recent regulation of online real-money gaming. The new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming bill, issued last month, prohibits real-money gaming platforms the core business model for Dream 11.
The contract had a withdrawal clause to exit such regulatory changes. Dream11’s 2023 deal, which was valid until 2026, was worth approximately USD 44 million (INR 358 crore). The move puts the BCCI in a position of not having a headline Indian team sponsor barely a week before the tournament begins.
BCCI Starts Search for New Indian Team Sponsor
On September 2, the BCCI officially issued an invitation of interest (EOI) for the new title sponsorship rights of the Indian men’s cricket team.
EOI Purchase Due Date: September 12
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submission Deadline: September 16
Asia Cup 2025 Start Date: September 9
Asia Cup End Date: September 28
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Since there is a short time span, chances are bright that the Indian team will go into the Asia Cup without the sponsor logo on their kits.
Who Cannot Apply for the Indian Team Sponsorship
In the spirit of public opinion and regulatory policy, the BCCI has excluded some types of companies from bidding. The following are not eligible to be the next Indian cricket team sponsor:
Alcohol companies
Betting or gambling service providers
Cryptocurrency websites
Real-money online gaming service providers
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Tobacco companies
Pornographic or adult material-related service providers
Any company that is likely to “offend public morals”
Precedent Mid-Term Sponsorship Exits
This is not the first time BCCI has experienced a mid-contract sponsor departure:
In 2019, OPPO withdrew from the early sponsorship agreement. Before Dream 11 acquired the three-year agreement in 2023, the gap was filled by Byju’s.
This repetitive trend comes at the expense of the difficulties in achieving stable and long-term Indian team sponsor agreements in an unstable business and regulatory environment.
Asia Cup 2025: India’s Schedule & Group Details
Indian team will depart for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on September 4. They are drawn in Group A with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman.
India’s Match Schedule:
vs UAE – September 10 (Dubai)
vs Pakistan – September 14 (Dubai)
Vs Oman – September 19 (Abu Dhabi)
Group B Teams:
Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Hong Kong
Sri Lanka
The number two teams in each of the groups will move to the Super Four round. The Asia Cup 2025 Final match will be played on September 28.
What This Means for Brand Visibility
Lack of a top Indian team sponsor in a visibility event such as the Asia Cup would be a huge loss of brand opportunity for both the BCCI and sponsors wishing to attach themselves to Indian cricket. But it also presents an opportunity for new, longer-term sponsors to get associated with Indian cricket in a key pre-World Cup cycle.
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