India Likely to Play Asia Cup without Jersey Sponsor
CricDiary: India, in all probability, will play in the Asia Cup 2025 without a jersey sponsor. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), it has been learnt, is looking to secure a long-term sponsor, ideally through the 2027 one-day international (0DI) World Cup, rather than opting for a short-term deal limited to the continental tournament. However, with the Asia Cup starting on 9 September, BCCI board is short on time to finalise a new agreement.
The situation cropped up after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act (2025) was recently passed in Parliament. It led to Dream11 ending its association as the Indian cricket team’s title sponsor. The development was discussed in the BCCI emergency apex council meeting yesterday. The meeting was chaired by interim BCCI president Rajeev Shukla.
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BCCI is optimistic about bringing in a new sponsor on board. Officials, however, acknowledge that completing the process before the Asia Cup will be challenging because of limited time for advertising and negotiations. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the deal with Dream11 has ended. He told the media, “Our stand is very clear. With government regulations in place, the BCCI cannot continue its sponsorship relationship with Dream11 or any similar gaming company. Under the new restrictions, there is no scope, and we are facing a roadblock with Dream11.”
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My11Circle and Dream11 collectively contributed around ₹1,000 crore to the BCCI through title sponsorships for the Indian team and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Dream11 alone had a $44 million (₹358 crore) deal for the 2023-2026 cycle as India’s jersey sponsor.
The new law—which prohibits offering, promoting, or advertising online money gaming services—has delivered a major blow to fantasy sports operators in India. It has significantly impacted their ability to sponsor sports teams and events.
Pic: Getty Images
