Mumbai: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is preparing to float tenders to onboard a new jersey sponsor for Team India, following the impending ban on real-money gaming in the country.
Dream11, the team’s current principal sponsor, faces a major setback as the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025—recently passed by the Rajya Sabha—prohibits real-money gaming operations in India. Once the bill receives presidential assent, companies like Dream11, MPL and Zupee Games will be barred from operating in the country, making it impossible for them to continue sponsorship deals with the national cricket team.
At present, Team India continues to sport the Dream11 logo on its jerseys. However, BCCI risks penalties if the deal continues after the law comes into force. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia told The Times of India, “Once the act comes into force, we will look into it, examine it, and if it’s permissible, then we will take sponsorship (from online betting and gaming companies), if it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything.”
Industry insiders suggest that the board may attempt to delay the presidential assent until the conclusion of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE, beginning September 9, to give Team India time to play under the existing contract and secure a new sponsor.
Dream11 had replaced Byju’s as Team India’s jersey sponsor in 2023 in a three-year deal reportedly worth Rs 358 crore. With the ban looming, BCCI is expected to attract interest from major corporates, including Tata, Jio, Adani, and even new-age brands like Zerodha.
The Indian men’s team will feature in the Asia Cup in the UAE, while the women’s team hosts Australia from September 14.
