The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) faces a significant sponsorship challenge after Dream11 initiated talks to terminate its ₹358 crore jersey sponsorship deal. This move comes in response to the newly implemented Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which prohibits the promotion and sponsorship of real-money gaming platforms, effectively making Dream11’s association with Team India illegal.
Dream11, which became Team India’s principal sponsor in 2023, has reportedly approached the BCCI for a mutual exit from the contract. Legal experts note that continuing the deal could expose both parties to severe penalties under the new law, including hefty fines or even criminal liability.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has assured that the board will strictly adhere to Indian law, stating that no steps will be taken that violate legal provisions. The urgency is amplified as the Asia Cup begins on September 9, leaving the BCCI with a narrow window to secure a new sponsor or face the rare prospect of the national team taking the field without a jersey sponsor—a scenario almost unheard of in modern cricket.
Industry analysts suggest that while the sponsorship rights remain highly attractive to major corporations, the compressed timeline will complicate negotiations. Any new sponsor must comply fully with the revised legal framework, which rules out fantasy sports, betting, and other real-money gaming platforms that previously dominated cricket advertising.
The development also signals a broader disruption in India’s sports economy. Real-money gaming companies have been among the largest contributors to cricket sponsorship and broadcast advertising in recent years. Their sudden exit could impact revenue streams for not only the BCCI but also broadcasters and league organizers, forcing a pivot toward sectors like consumer goods, fintech, and automotive brands.
For the BCCI, the next two weeks will be critical. Securing a replacement sponsor before the Asia Cup is not just about preserving revenue; it’s about maintaining the brand identity of Team India while staying within the bounds of law. The Dream11 saga underscores how regulatory changes can swiftly reshape the business of cricket—turning one of the sport’s most stable income sources into an urgent problem that needs solving fast.
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