With the Asia Cup 2025 just two weeks away, Dream11's name has been removed from the Indian cricket team's jersey. The fantasy gaming company has ended its sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Sports News: The Parliament recently passed a law banning online gaming apps. Following the implementation of this new law, all types of gaming apps have been banned in India. Due to this, Dream11 has informed the BCCI that it will no longer be able to continue its sponsorship of the Indian cricket team.
This directly means that the BCCI will have to find a new sponsor for Team India before the Asia Cup begins. These new rules created by the government have had a profound impact on online gaming companies.
Why Did the Sponsorship Deal Break?
Parliament has implemented strict rules on online gaming apps, which have severely affected Dream11's business. The company officially informed the BCCI that it can no longer sponsor the Indian cricket team. According to an Indian Express report, Dream11 officials met with BCCI CEO Hemang Amin to convey this information. The company clarified that due to the new government regulations, it is not possible for them to sponsor the Indian team.
BCCI Will Have to Find a New Sponsor
Now, the biggest challenge for the BCCI is to bring in a new sponsor for Team India's jersey before the Asia Cup. With only two weeks left until the start of the tournament, the board will soon issue a new tender. A BCCI official stated that Dream11 will not be penalized in any way for withdrawing because a special clause exists in the contract. According to this clause, if any government law affects the sponsor company's business, they will not have to pay a penalty.
Dream11 acquired the right to become the lead sponsor of the Indian team in July 2023 by paying an amount of ₹358 crore. Prior to this, Byju's held this responsibility. Over the past few years, Dream11 has emerged as India's largest fantasy gaming platform. The company, which started 18 years ago, had reached a value of $8 billion (according to a Bloomberg report). The company's name is well-known to cricket fans.
Impact on Asia Cup 2025
- Now, the big question is, which company's name will be on Team India's jersey when the Asia Cup 2025 begins?
- After Dream11's departure, the BCCI needs to find a new sponsor as soon as possible.
- If a deal is not finalized in time, Team India may take the field wearing jerseys without a sponsor logo.
Marketing experts believe that finding a new brand in such a short time will be challenging, but given the popularity of Indian cricket, major companies may show interest. The Indian team's jersey has always been a center of attraction for big brands. Sahara Shree Group was the main sponsor of the Indian team for a long time. After that, Star India, then Byju's, and recently Dream11 fulfilled this responsibility.
