India’s cricket sponsorship landscape is undergoing a major shake-up as Dream11 prepares to step down as Team India’s lead sponsor. The exit comes in the wake of India’s recently enforced Online Gaming Bill 2025, which prohibits real-money gaming companies from sponsoring sports teams. Dream11 had signed a three-year deal worth ₹358 crore in 2023, but the legal restrictions have forced both parties to reconsider the agreement ahead of major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the ICC events later this year.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already moved into high gear to find a new title sponsor. According to sources, several big names are in the fray, including Reliance Jio, Toyota, and a leading fintech startup. Each contender brings unique advantages: Jio’s extensive presence in digital media and cricket broadcasting makes it a natural fit, while Toyota’s global sports involvement adds prestige and stability. The fintech entrant, on the other hand, targets the younger demographic that forms a significant portion of cricket’s fan base in India.
With Dream11’s departure imminent, the BCCI aims to negotiate a deal that not only matches but surpasses the previous contract in value. Officials are optimistic about attracting record bids, given the massive reach of Indian cricket and its growing commercial appeal. Industry insiders suggest that the new sponsorship deal could set a fresh benchmark, surpassing the ₹358 crore figure and potentially crossing the ₹400 crore mark for the upcoming term.
The urgency is high, as the Asia Cup is just around the corner, followed by India’s packed international calendar and the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy in early 2026. The BCCI wants the new sponsor’s branding to be visible on team jerseys well before these marquee events to ensure seamless commercial visibility and compliance with promotional timelines.
This development also signals a larger trend in Indian sports sponsorship. With stricter regulations now curbing gaming and betting companies from associating with cricket, traditional sectors such as telecom, automotive, fintech, and FMCG are likely to dominate future deals. It marks a shift towards brands that offer long-term stability and align with regulatory norms, reducing reputational risks for both the sponsor and the governing body.
The outcome of this sponsorship battle will not only impact BCCI’s commercial strategy but also redefine the financial dynamics of Indian cricket. For now, all eyes are on which brand will seize the opportunity to become the face of the most-followed cricket team in the world.
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