August 29, 2025: Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian cricket team may face an unusual situation of playing without a jersey sponsor after Dream11 decided to end its sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This development comes in response to the recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which limits real-money online gaming and bans related advertising and sponsorships.
Dream11 had signed a multi-year sponsorship contract with the BCCI in 2023, but the new law made it impossible for the company to continue the partnership. The decision to exit reflects the operational restrictions imposed on fantasy gaming platforms under the new regulations.
The BCCI now faces a tight deadline to secure a replacement sponsor, as the Asia Cup is scheduled to begin on September 9, 2025. Sources indicate that several companies, including Toyota and fintech organizations, are exploring opportunities to take over as Team India’s lead sponsor. Official confirmation is yet to be announced, and discussions are ongoing.
With jerseys already produced bearing the Dream11 logo, the team could be forced to compete in kits without a sponsor name, a scenario rarely seen in international cricket. This incident underscores the broader impact of the online gaming legislation on sports marketing and sponsorship deals in India.
Meanwhile, legal challenges to the law are underway. The Karnataka High Court is scheduled to hear a petition filed by A23, a leading gaming company, questioning the constitutional validity of the new regulations. The outcome of the case may influence future opportunities for online gaming companies to engage in sports sponsorships.
As the Asia Cup approaches, the BCCI’s ability to finalize a new sponsorship deal remains critical. The situation is being closely monitored by the cricketing and business communities, as it could affect team finances, branding, and public engagement during the tournament.
