The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun the search for a new lead sponsor for the Indian Cricket Team following the exit of Dream11. On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, the board officially invited proposals for the team’s title sponsorship rights.
Dream11’s withdrawal comes after the government’s ban on companies engaged in real money gaming and cryptocurrency, which are no longer eligible to participate in sponsorship deals. The fantasy sports giant was forced to shut down its money-based offerings after the “Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025” was passed in parliament. The act prohibits individuals and organizations from offering or promoting online money gaming services in any form.
Over the years, Dream11, along with My11Circle, had invested heavily in Indian cricket, contributing a combined ₹1,000 crore to the BCCI through sponsorship deals with both the national team and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
BCCI Sets September 16 Deadline for Jersey Sponsorship Applications
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has opened the bidding process for Team India’s lead sponsorship rights, which allow the winning company to feature its name on the front of the national jersey. In its official notice, released on September 2, the board set September 16 as the deadline for submitting applications.
To be eligible, companies must have an annual turnover of at least ₹300 crore. However, the BCCI has also outlined strict restrictions on which businesses can participate.
Prohibited Categories:
- Cryptocurrency-related firms (including exchanges, tokens, or trading platforms)
- Alcohol, gambling, and betting companies
- Online money gaming operators not compliant with the Online Gaming Act 2025
- Producers of athleisure and sportswear
- Banks, NBFCs, and other financial service providers
- Insurance companies
Manufacturers of non-alcoholic cold beverages, fans, mixer grinders, safety locks, and similar products
If a company operates across multiple categories, even one falling under these barred sectors will make them ineligible to bid.
Additionally, the BCCI has strictly banned surrogate branding—the practice of bidding on behalf of another entity by using a different brand name, logo, or identity. Any such attempt to bypass restrictions will be disqualified.
