Key points
- Dream 11 exits after gaming bill
- Certain industries barred from sponsorship bids
- India face Pakistan, UAE, Oman in group
ISLAMABAD: India are likely to participate in the upcoming Asia Cup without a lead sponsor, following Dream 11’s withdrawal from its contract with the BCCI last month.
On September 2, the BCCI issued an invitation for expressions of interest to secure a new sponsor for the national team. Interested parties have until September 12 to purchase the document, with bids due by 16 September, according to Cricinfo.
India set to play Asia Cup without a Sponsor. 🤯🏏
– BCCI is trying to find a new Sponsor till 2027 World Cup but not looking possible for Asia Cup as there is only few days left. [Abhishek Tripathi] pic.twitter.com/QRUV29fBQ4
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) August 29, 2025
However, the Asia Cup begins on September 9 and runs until September 28, making it unlikely that a new sponsor will be in place by the start of the tournament.
Dream 11’s exit came after the Indian government introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming bill, which bans real-money gaming , the core of Dream 11’s business.
Termination clause
The contract, worth around USD 44 million (INR 358 crore) and due to run until 2026, contained a clause allowing termination under such regulatory changes.
🚨 BCCI invites bids for Team India’s title sponsor 🇮🇳✨
But here’s what’s NOT allowed ⬇️
🚫 Online betting/real money gaming
🚫 Crypto firms
🚫 Alcohol & tobacco brands#BCCI #TeamIndia #JerseySponsor #AsiaCup #Cricket pic.twitter.com/1kcDZq83X0— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) September 2, 2025
This is not the first time the BCCI has faced a mid-contract sponsor withdrawal. In 2019, OPPO exited early, with Byju’s stepping in before Dream 11 secured the sponsorship in 2023.
Public morals
In its latest invitation, the BCCI has barred bids from companies involved in alcohol, betting or gambling services, cryptocurrency, online money gaming, tobacco, or any product or service that could offend public morals.
🔥 Shockwaves in Indian cricket! For the first time in decades, Team India is set to enter the Asia Cup 2025 without a jersey sponsor after fantasy sports giant Dream11 pulled out 😱.
The move comes right after the new Promotion & Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which… pic.twitter.com/M1yfaPXIzp
— Yola Cricket (@Yolacricket) August 29, 2025
India are set to depart for the UAE on September 4. They are placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman, playing their matches on 10, 14, and 19 September.
Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. The top two teams from each group will progress to the Super Four stage, with the final scheduled for 28 September.
