Dream11 pulls out as Team India’s lead sponsor ahead of Asia Cup - Report

Dream11 pulls out as Team India’s lead sponsor. (Photo: BCCI)

In a significant development, fantasy sports giant Dream11 has chosen to withdraw as the primary sponsor of the Indian cricket team. The decision follows the passing of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in Parliament, which prohibits real-money gaming platforms such as Dream11.

Although neither Dream11 nor the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an official confirmation, an NDTV report suggests that the company is unwilling to continue its sponsorship. According to the report, it is also highly improbable that Dream11’s branding will appear on India’s jerseys during the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, speaking on Friday, underlined the board’s stance on compliance.

“If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy of the country that is framed by the central government,” Saikia said.

With Dream11 stepping back, BCCI is preparing to call for fresh tenders to secure a new lead sponsor for Team India’s jersey. Should a replacement not be finalized before the Asia Cup, starting September 9 in the UAE, the team could take the field without a front-of-jersey sponsor. Interestingly, kits carrying Dream11’s logo have already been manufactured but will now go unused.

Dream11 had signed its agreement with the BCCI in 2023, a deal reportedly worth Rs 358 crore—Rs 3 crore for each home fixture and Rs 1 crore for every away game. The Asia Cup 2025 will run from September 9 to 28, with matches hosted in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, culminating in the final on September 28.