BCCI Faces Sponsorship Shift as Dream11 Withdraws Ahead of Asia Cup

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to seek new jersey sponsors for Team India following Dream11’s reported decision to end its role as the team’s lead sponsor. This development comes in the wake of the Indian Parliament’s passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill on Thursday, which bans real-money gaming platforms like Dream11. Neither the BCCI nor Dream11 has issued an official statement confirming the withdrawal.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the board’s commitment to adhering to national regulations. “If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy of the country that is framed by the central government,” Saikia told. The new legislation has prompted Dream11 to reconsider its sponsorship, which began in July 2023 with a three-year, ₹358-crore deal, including ₹3 crore per home match and ₹1 crore per away game.

With the Asia Cup set to commence on September 9 in the UAE, the BCCI is now expected to invite fresh bids for jersey sponsorship rights. However, time constraints may prevent the board from securing a new sponsor before the tournament begins. Sources indicate that jerseys featuring the Dream11 logo have already been printed but are unlikely to be used during the Asia Cup. If no new sponsor is finalized, Team India may compete without a lead jersey sponsor, a rare occurrence for the high-profile team.

The BCCI’s search for a new sponsor comes at a critical juncture, as the team, led by Suryakumar Yadav with Shubman Gill as vice-captain, prepares for the tournament. The situation underscores the broader impact of India’s new gaming regulations on sports sponsorships, potentially reshaping the commercial landscape for cricket in the country.