The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s sponsorship shake-up means that the Indian men’s team is likely to have no shirt sponsor for the upcoming 2025 Asia Cup.
Dream11, the real-money fantasy
gaming brand, had a long-term deal with the board until 2026, worth USD 44 million (around Rs. 358 crore). However, the company opted to use the exit clause in the contract after real-money gaming was banned by the Indian government last month.
The BCCI put out an ‘Invitation for Expression of Interest for National Team Lead Sponsor Rights’ on Tuesday (September 2), just two days before the team departs for Dubai. The tournament begins on September 9, with India’s inaugural game on September 10 against the UAE.
Although several bidders have come forward, these are generally complicated deals to crack, given the enormous amount of money involved. The BCCI, in its public release, has also added several restrictions to which companies can bid.
“Bidder, including any of its Group companies: (i) should not be engaged in online money gaming, betting or gambling services or similar services in India or anywhere in the world; (ii) should not provide any online money gaming, betting or gambling services or similar services to any Person in India; and (iii) should not have any investment or ownership interest in any Person engaged in betting or gambling services in India. To clarify, a bidder, including any of its Group companies, engaged in any activities/business that is prohibited under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 is not permitted to submit a bid,” the BCCI said.
“Bidder, including any of its Group companies, should not be directly or indirectly engaged in the business of crypto trading or crypto exchange or crypto token or any business of a similar nature,” the board added.
Although the BCCI’s coffers are unlikely to be unaffected much by a few months of no shirt sponsorships, it would be a rare sight to see the men’s team wear mostly clean, sponsor-less shirt.
