In a sudden development ahead of the Asia Cup beginning on September 9, fantasy sports platform Dream11 has withdrawn as the lead jersey sponsor of the Indian cricket team. The move comes in light of the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which bans real-money gaming and related sponsorships.
Dream11 is reportedly in talks with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to mutually terminate its ₹358-crore sponsorship agreement signed in 2023. The BCCI has reiterated its commitment to comply with the new legal framework, noting that continuation of the deal would breach the law.
Following Dream11’s exit, three major companies are said to have expressed interest in taking over the coveted jersey sponsorship. While their identities have not yet been disclosed, the BCCI is expected to soon open a formal tender process, with hopes of finalizing a more profitable three-year contract.
If no new sponsor is confirmed before the Asia Cup, the Indian team could be forced to play without a lead sponsor. Adding to the challenge, jerseys already printed with Dream11’s branding are now unusable.
Key Points:
Dream11 Exit: Sponsorship deal ends due to gaming law restrictions.
Mutual Termination: Both parties in discussion to formally close the contract.
New Contenders: Three companies reportedly interested in the sponsorship.
Tender Process: BCCI to initiate bidding for a fresh three-year deal.
Asia Cup Deadline: Urgency to secure a sponsor before September 9.
Jersey Issue: Pre-printed jerseys with Dream11 logos cannot be used.
