India Likely to Play Asia Cup Without a Team Sponsor
Dream11 Withdrawal
The fantasy gaming platform Dream11 terminated its three-year, ₹358 crore sponsorship deal (signed in 2023, valid till 2026) ahead of schedule. This decision followed the Indian government's enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans real-money gaming and prohibits associated advertising and sponsorships. Dream11 was legally compelled to exit under this regulatory framework.
No Sponsor for Asia Cup Kickoff
With the Asia Cup commencing on September 9, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged in an August 29 report that the team is likely to play the initial matches—including the India vs. Pakistan clash—without a jersey sponsor.
BCCI Actively Seeking a New Sponsor
In response, the BCCI has issued an official Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI), seeking new lead sponsors. The document is available from September 2, with a purchase deadline of September 12 and the final bid deadline of September 16. The BCCI emphasized a deliberate, long-term approach rather than rushing to secure a sponsor before the Asia Cup begins.
Regulations on Eligible Bidders
The bidding process comes with strict eligibility norms. Entities linked to real-money gaming, cryptocurrency, alcohol, betting/gambling, tobacco, pornography, or similar “morality-offending” sectors are barred from participation. Bidders are required to meet financial thresholds—like an average turnover or net worth of ₹300 crore over the past three years—and pass fit-and-proper-person checks.
Possible Interest from Major Indian Conglomerates
Reports from Navbharat Times point to industry giants like Tata Group, Reliance (Jio), Adani Group, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Toyota as potential contenders for the lead sponsorship slot.
Timeline for Sponsor Arrival
While some sources suggest there may be a new jersey sponsor in place by the second half of September, possibly before the Asia Cup final on September 28, it appears improbable that one will be secured in time for the tournament’s outset.
Summary at a Glance
Dream11 Withdrawal
The fantasy gaming platform Dream11 terminated its three-year, ₹358 crore sponsorship deal (signed in 2023, valid till 2026) ahead of schedule. This decision followed the Indian government's enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans real-money gaming and prohibits associated advertising and sponsorships. Dream11 was legally compelled to exit under this regulatory framework.
No Sponsor for Asia Cup Kickoff
With the Asia Cup commencing on September 9, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged in an August 29 report that the team is likely to play the initial matches—including the India vs. Pakistan clash—without a jersey sponsor.
BCCI Actively Seeking a New Sponsor
In response, the BCCI has issued an official Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI), seeking new lead sponsors. The document is available from September 2, with a purchase deadline of September 12 and the final bid deadline of September 16. The BCCI emphasized a deliberate, long-term approach rather than rushing to secure a sponsor before the Asia Cup begins.
Regulations on Eligible Bidders
The bidding process comes with strict eligibility norms. Entities linked to real-money gaming, cryptocurrency, alcohol, betting/gambling, tobacco, pornography, or similar “morality-offending” sectors are barred from participation. Bidders are required to meet financial thresholds—like an average turnover or net worth of ₹300 crore over the past three years—and pass fit-and-proper-person checks.
Possible Interest from Major Indian Conglomerates
Reports from Navbharat Times point to industry giants like Tata Group, Reliance (Jio), Adani Group, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Toyota as potential contenders for the lead sponsorship slot.
Timeline for Sponsor Arrival
While some sources suggest there may be a new jersey sponsor in place by the second half of September, possibly before the Asia Cup final on September 28, it appears improbable that one will be secured in time for the tournament’s outset.
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Exit | Dream11 pulled out due to new gaming regulation |
| Asia Cup Start | September 9, 2025 — likely sponsorless to begin with |
| Bidding Timeline | Bid invitation: Sept 2; document purchase deadline: Sept 12; bid submission: Sept 16 |
| Restrictions | No real-money gaming, crypto, alcohol, gambling, or related entities allowed |
| Potential Sponsors | Tata, Reliance (Jio), Adani, Mahindra, Toyota reportedly in the mix |
| Expected Sponsor Arrival | Possibly before Asia Cup final (Sept 28), though not assured |