The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opened bidding for Team India’s title sponsorship following Dream11’s exit, but with a twist: companies involved in real money gaming and cryptocurrency are banned from participating, thanks to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025. This leaves the Indian cricket team without a sponsor for the upcoming Asia Cup, starting September 9 in the UAE.
The BCCI has set September 16 as the deadline for bid submissions, with the Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) priced at Rs 5 lakh, available until September 12. Dream11, a fantasy sports giant, recently shut down its real money gaming operations due to the new law, which prohibits offering or promoting online money gaming services in India. Dream11 and My11Circle previously poured around Rs 1,000 crore into BCCI through title sponsorships for Team India and the Indian Premier League.
The BCCI’s press release outlined strict eligibility rules: bidders and their group companies must not be involved in online money gaming, betting, or gambling services in India or globally, nor have investments in such entities. Additionally, companies dealing in tobacco, alcohol, or anything deemed offensive to public morals, like pornography, are also barred.
Also Read: India’s Hockey Heroes Edge Japan 3-2 in Thrilling Asia Cup Victory
Certain brand categories are off-limits due to existing BCCI sponsors, including athleisure and sportswear (e.g., Adidas), banks and financial services (e.g., IDFC First Bank), non-alcoholic beverages (e.g., Campa Cola), fans and appliances, and insurance (e.g., SBI Life). Bidders involved in these “Blocked Brand Categories” or “Prohibited Brand Categories” cannot participate, and the BCCI has banned surrogate branding to prevent companies from bidding indirectly.
Financially, bidders need muscle: an average turnover or net worth of at least Rs 300 crore over the last three years. The BCCI also reserves the right to cancel or amend the bidding process without explanation.
Dream11, which secured the sponsorship rights for USD 44 million (Rs 358 crore) from 2023 to 2026, is exiting early but faces no penalties. “This is a government rule, and full compliance is required. It’s not Dream11’s fault, and unlike payment defaults, no penalty will be levied,” a senior BCCI official told PTI anonymously.
With the Asia Cup looming and big players like crypto and gaming firms sidelined, the race for Team India’s next title sponsor is heating up. Who will step up to claim this high-stakes opportunity?
Also Read: Rinku Singh Slams 48-Ball Ton Ahead of Asia Cup Debut!