Indian Cricket Team Faces Sponsorship Dilemma Ahead of Asia Cup 2025

As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, the Indian cricket team is confronted with a significant challenge: the absence of a jersey sponsor. Following Dream11's withdrawal due to new regulations, the BCCI is racing against time to secure a new long-term sponsorship deal. With the tournament starting on September 9, the possibility of the team playing without a sponsor logo is becoming increasingly likely. This situation not only raises immediate concerns for the upcoming tournament but also poses broader implications for the financial landscape of Indian cricket. Will the BCCI manage to find a suitable replacement in time?

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 29, 2025, 17:33 IST

Impending Asia Cup 2025 and Sponsorship Challenges

With the Asia Cup 2025 just around the corner, the Indian cricket team may find itself without a jersey sponsor, a situation that is quite unusual for such a prominent team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively working to secure a long-term sponsorship deal, ideally extending through the 2027 ODI World Cup, as reported by various sources.

Dream11's Departure Triggers Sponsorship Issues

The sponsorship landscape shifted dramatically when Dream11 ended its partnership with the BCCI following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025. This new law prohibits organizations promoting money games from advertising, which has severely impacted fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle, making it difficult for them to sustain their lucrative sponsorships.

Dream11's previous agreement was valued at Rs 358 crore, contributing to a total sponsorship revenue of Rs 1,000 crore alongside My11Circle. However, with the new regulations in place, the BCCI must now explore alternatives beyond gaming companies to fill this significant financial gap.

Urgent Council Meeting and Pressing Deadlines

An emergency meeting of the Apex Council was convened on August 28, led by interim president Rajeev Shukla, to discuss potential new sponsors. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed Dream11's exit and reassured that efforts are underway to secure a new title sponsor.

As the Asia Cup is set to kick off on September 9, time is of the essence. The prospect of the Indian team taking the field without any sponsor logo on their jerseys, which is nearly unthinkable in modern cricket, is becoming increasingly plausible.

Wider Implications for Revenue in Indian Cricket

This situation raises significant concerns regarding the revenue streams for Indian cricket, especially with gaming companies now excluded from the sponsorship mix. If a swift agreement with a major corporate partner is not reached, the financial repercussions could extend beyond the Asia Cup, potentially affecting future tournaments and the BCCI's broader commercial strategies.