Team India May Play Asia Cup Without Front Sponsor After Dream11 Exit

By Abhishek Kumar

Team India could walk out in the Asia Cup 2025 wearing jerseys without a front sponsor after fantasy sports platform Dream11 ended its deal with the BCCI

The decision comes after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025 came into force banning real money online gaming and its promotion With this change Dream11 had no option but to withdraw even though it had signed a ₹358 crore three year contract in 2023. To find a replacement the BCCI has floated a fresh tender for the lead jersey sponsor But the rules are strict the bidder must have a turnover of at least ₹300 crore or matching net worth Companies linked with online gaming crypto alcohol tobacco or betting are barred from applying

The deadline for bids is September 16 while the Asia Cup begins on September 9 in Dubai This means India’s opening matches including the blockbuster tie against Pakistan on September 14 will likely see the team in blank jerseys with just India in bold across the chest. This is not the first time India has played without a front sponsor It has happened in ICC tournaments before but this time it comes during a regional event and directly due to new legislation

The situation marks a rare sponsorship gap for Indian cricket even as fans await the team’s Asia Cup campaign with excitement.