In a major shake-up just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025, fantasy sports platform Dream11 has officially withdrawn as Team India’s principal jersey sponsor, citing regulatory constraints following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) now finds itself in a sponsorship scramble, with less than two weeks to secure a new partner before the tournament kicks off on September 9 in the UAE.
The ₹358 crore sponsorship deal, signed in July 2023 for a three-year term, was terminated after Dream11 executives visited the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai to inform CEO Hemang Amin of their decision. The exit, while abrupt, is protected under a clause in the contract that waives penalties if a sponsor’s core business is impacted by changes in government law.
🧭 Timeline of Events Leading to Dream11’s Exit
| Date | Event Description | Impact on BCCI and Team India |
|---|---|---|
| July 2023 | Dream11 signs ₹358 crore deal with BCCI | Becomes Team India’s lead sponsor |
| August 21, 2025 | Online Gaming Bill passed in Parliament | Real-money gaming banned nationwide |
| August 22, 2025 | Dream11 suspends real-money contests | Revenue stream disrupted |
| August 24, 2025 | Dream11 informs BCCI of sponsorship withdrawal | BCCI begins search for new sponsor |
The Online Gaming Bill prohibits any form of real-money gaming and advertising, directly affecting Dream11’s business model and its ability to continue brand visibility through sports sponsorship.
📊 Dream11’s Sponsorship Footprint and Financials
| Sponsorship Deal Component | Value/Details |
|---|---|
| Contract Duration | 3 years (2023–2026) |
| Total Deal Value | ₹358 crore |
| Per Home Match Payment | ₹3 crore |
| Per Away Match Payment | ₹1 crore |
| Associated Teams | Senior Men, Women, U-19, Emerging Squads |
Dream11 replaced edtech firm Byju’s as the lead sponsor and had its logo prominently displayed on Team India’s jerseys across formats. The company also held partnerships with IPL franchises, ICC, ISL, Pro Kabaddi League, and international leagues like CPL and BBL.
🔍 Impact of Online Gaming Bill on Fantasy Sports Industry
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, bans all forms of real-money gaming and advertisements promoting such platforms. Companies found in violation face penalties up to ₹1 crore and jail terms of up to three years.
| Clause in Gaming Bill | Implication for Dream11 and Similar Firms |
|---|---|
| Ban on real-money gaming | Core revenue stream eliminated |
| Ban on advertising | Sponsorship and endorsements restricted |
| Penalty clause | Financial and legal risks for non-compliance |
Dream11, valued at $8 billion, has suspended all real-money contests and issued a statement affirming full compliance with the new law. Other fantasy platforms like My11Circle are also expected to follow suit.
📉 BCCI’s Sponsorship Void and Urgent Tender Process
With Dream11’s exit, BCCI is now racing against time to fill the sponsorship gap before the Asia Cup begins. The board is expected to float a fresh tender inviting bids for the jersey sponsorship slot.
| BCCI Action Plan | Timeline and Challenges |
|---|---|
| Issue Tender Advertisement | Within 48 hours |
| Bid Submission Window | 3–5 days |
| Evaluation and Shortlisting | 2–3 days |
| Sponsor Announcement | By September 5, 2025 |
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board cannot continue partnerships with gaming companies under the new law and is actively exploring alternatives.
🧠 Possible Replacement Sponsors and Market Sentiment
Industry experts believe that despite the short window, BCCI will attract strong interest from FMCG, fintech, and consumer tech brands. However, the so-called “jersey jinx”—where past sponsors like Sahara, Byju’s, and now Dream11 faced regulatory or financial setbacks—may deter some players.
| Potential Sponsor Category | Suitability and Market Position |
|---|---|
| Fintech (e.g., PhonePe, CRED) | High visibility, digital-first audience |
| FMCG (e.g., HUL, Dabur) | Mass appeal, pan-India reach |
| Consumer Tech (e.g., Samsung) | Global brand, sports marketing experience |
| Telecom (e.g., Jio, Airtel) | Strong brand recall, cricket association |
The sponsor will need to meet BCCI’s commercial expectations and comply with legal modalities under the new gaming law.
🧠 What Happens to Printed Jerseys?
With Dream11’s logo already printed on Team India’s kits for the Asia Cup, BCCI may face logistical hurdles. If a new sponsor isn’t finalized in time, India could play without a lead sponsor on their jerseys—a rare occurrence in modern cricket.
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| New Sponsor Finalized | Jerseys reprinted with new logo |
| No Sponsor Finalized | Jerseys used without sponsor branding |
| Interim Branding | Temporary patch or neutral design |
This situation could impact brand visibility, merchandising, and broadcast partnerships during the high-stakes tournament.
📌 Conclusion
Dream11’s withdrawal as Team India’s jersey sponsor ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 marks a pivotal moment in Indian sports sponsorship. Triggered by sweeping regulatory changes, the exit underscores the vulnerability of fantasy gaming firms and the ripple effects on cricket’s commercial ecosystem.
As BCCI scrambles to secure a new partner, the episode highlights the need for diversified sponsorship strategies and legal resilience in an evolving digital economy. With the Asia Cup looming, the board’s next move will be closely watched by fans, advertisers, and stakeholders across the cricketing world.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements as of August 25, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or commercial advice.
