Team India Sponsors / Dream XI will not be the title sponsor of Team India, big news before Asia Cup

Team India Sponsors: Fantasy sports platform Dream11 has announced its withdrawal as the title sponsor of the Indian cricket team a few weeks ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. According to media reports, Dream11 is not ready to continue its sponsorship deal further. The main reason for this is the recently passed Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill 2025, which effectively banned all real money gaming platforms such as fantasy sports, poker and rummy. Only e-sports and social gaming are allowed under this new law. Violation can lead to up to three years in jail or a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.

BCCI's stand

BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia on Friday made it clear that the board will fully comply with the new law. Saikia said, "If it is not allowed, we will not do anything. BCCI will follow every policy of the country made by the central government." This statement shows that the BCCI will take its decisions in accordance with the law and avoid any kind of violation.

Will the Indian team enter the field without a title sponsor?

The Indian cricket team may face a unique situation for the Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin in the UAE on September 9. If a new title sponsor is not found to replace Dream11, the Indian team may enter the field without a title sponsor. According to sources, jerseys with Dream11 branding have already been prepared, but they will no longer be used. The BCCI may soon invite new bids for jersey sponsorship rights. It is worth noting that Dream11 had a sponsorship deal of Rs 358 crore with the BCCI in 2023.

Dream11's transition plan

The new law has completely affected Dream11's core operations. Dream Sports CEO Harsh Jain told employees in an internal note that there is "no legal way" to continue paid contest tournaments. The company is now working on a transition plan under which it has informed its full-time and contractual employees of the change.

Dream11, which moved its base back to India earlier this year, generated revenue of Rs 9,600 crore in FY24, mainly coming from user participation in the World Cup. Despite over 28 crore users and a deep association with Indian cricket, the ban is a big blow to Dream Sports. The company is now focusing on its other verticals such as FanCode, DreamSetGo, and Dream Game Studios to revamp its business model.