BCCI Opens Bids with Strict Rules for Team India Jersey Title Sponsor Selection After Dream11 Exit
Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has thrown open the doors for a new title sponsor for the Indian cricket team, following Dream11’s exit triggered by the government’s clampdown on real money gaming. The board, in a move that underscores its commitment to compliance with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, has barred companies involved in real money gaming, betting, or cryptocurrency from the bidding race, as announced in a press release on Tuesday.
Dream11, alongside My11Circle, had been a financial powerhouse for Indian cricket, pumping in roughly ₹1,000 crore through title sponsorships for the national team and the Indian Premier League (IPL). Their departure, prompted by the new gaming regulations, leaves a significant void in the BCCI’s sponsorship portfolio.
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The BCCI has laid down strict guidelines for prospective bidders. “No bidder, including its group companies, can be engaged in online money gaming, betting, or gambling services in India or globally, nor hold any investment in such entities,” the board stated. Additionally, companies dealing in tobacco, alcohol, or content deemed offensive to public morals are also excluded. The board has set September 12 as the deadline to purchase the Invitation to Express Interest (IEOI), with bid submissions due by September 16.
Certain brand categories are off-limits due to existing sponsorships, including athleisure (Adidas), non-alcoholic beverages (Campa Cola), banking (IDFC First Bank), and insurance (SBI Life). The BCCI also cracked down on surrogate branding, prohibiting bids submitted indirectly on behalf of another entity through alternate names or logos. Financially, bidders must demonstrate an average turnover or net worth of at least ₹300 crore over the past three years.
Dream11’s early exit comes despite securing the title sponsorship rights for $44 million (₹358 crore) for 2023–2026. A senior BCCI official, speaking to PTI on condition of anonymity, clarified, “We understand Dream11’s predicament. This is a government mandate, not a payment default, so no penalties will be imposed. Their business is impacted, but compliance is non-negotiable.”
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The BCCI reserves the right to amend or cancel the bidding process without explanation, signaling its intent to maintain control over the selection. As Indian cricket navigates this transition, the search for a new title sponsor marks a pivotal moment for the sport’s commercial landscape.