Reports India Likely to Play Asia Cup Without Jersey Sponsor After Dream11 Exit
In a surprising development ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup, Team India might take the field without a jersey sponsor after the end of Dream11’s contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to reports, the fantasy sports company’s deal has officially expired, leaving the BCCI scrambling to secure a new sponsor before the continental tournament begins.
The development is unusual for Indian cricket, given the team’s global stature and the immense commercial value associated with its jersey. Over the years, India’s jerseys have featured some of the biggest corporate names, including Sahara, Star India, Oppo, BYJU’S, and most recently, Dream11. These partnerships have not only boosted brand visibility for the sponsors but also added significant revenue to the BCCI’s coffers.
However, with Dream11 stepping away at the end of their term, the Indian board is now in a race against time to find a replacement. Sources suggest that while talks are ongoing with several potential sponsors, no agreement has yet been finalized. As a result, there is a strong possibility that India may begin their Asia Cup campaign with a sponsorless jersey — something that has not been seen in modern Indian cricket for decades.
The absence of a jersey sponsor would be more symbolic than operational, as it would not directly affect the players or their preparations. Yet, it highlights the shifting dynamics of sports sponsorship, where companies are carefully weighing the costs of long-term deals against returns on investment in an evolving market.
Industry experts believe that while BCCI’s brand value remains unmatched, current economic conditions and changing advertising strategies are influencing potential sponsors. Companies today are increasingly focusing on digital campaigns, influencer marketing, and shorter-term associations rather than committing to big-ticket, multi-year deals.
Despite this hiccup, many insiders remain confident that BCCI will strike a fresh partnership soon. Given India’s massive fan following and the viewership numbers expected for the Asia Cup and the upcoming ICC tournaments, the jersey remains one of the most sought-after branding spaces in world cricket.
If India does indeed step onto the field without a sponsor in the Asia Cup, it would mark a rare moment in cricket history — one that will certainly grab attention both on and off the field. Fans, meanwhile, are more focused on India’s performance in the tournament, but the visual absence of a sponsor on the jersey would undoubtedly be a talking point across the cricketing fraternity.