India will enter the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 without a lead sponsor, after Dream11 withdrew from its contract. The BCCI has now opened the bidding process for a new sponsor.
Sudden Exit of Dream11
Players like Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill will take the centre stage without a title sponsor on their jerseys. Fantasy sports platform Dream11 stepped down as the sponsor, citing new government regulations that have impacted its core business model.
First Time Without a Sponsor
While Indian players have previously been seen without a title sponsor during ICC events—where regulations prohibit displaying sponsors’ names—this is the first time a non-ICC tournament will see the team play without a sponsor.
Invitation to Tender Released
The Indian government’s recent legislation, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, has prompted Dream11’s exit. The sponsorship deal, initially worth INR 358 crore, was set to continue until 2026. On September 2, the BCCI released an ‘Invitation to Tender’ (ITT) for the team’s lead sponsorship rights.
According to the documents, interested companies can purchase the ITT by September 12, with the final bids scheduled for September 16.
Similar Situation in 2019
The Asia Cup begins on September 9, meaning India will start the tournament without a title sponsor. A similar situation occurred in 2019 when OPPO withdrew mid-tournament. The board initially approached Byju’s, and the sponsorship later went to Dream11.
Norms and Values for Sponsorship
This year’s ITT has strict guidelines. Companies associated with alcohol, gambling or betting services, cryptocurrency, online money gaming, tobacco products, or offerings deemed offensive to public morals, such as pornography, are barred from participating.
First Match in Dubai
On September 4, the Indian squad is scheduled to depart for the UAE. India is grouped in Group A alongside Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. The first match will be played on September 10 in Dubai, followed by a clash against Pakistan on September 14. The final group-stage match is against Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19. Group B includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka.