The Indian cricket team may compete in the upcoming Asia Cup without a lead jersey sponsor following the recent departure of Dream11. The fantasy sports platform ended its contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last month, forcing the cricket board to initiate the search for a new partner just days before the tournament’s commencement.
On September 2nd, the BCCI issued a formal invitation for expressions of interest (EOI) from potential sponsors. Interested companies have until September 12th to purchase the EOI document, with final bids due on September 16th. However, the Asia Cup begins on September 9th and concludes on September 28th, making it improbable to secure a new sponsor before the tournament’s start.
Dream11’s withdrawal was triggered by a new Indian government bill that regulates online gaming, effectively prohibiting real-money gaming, which is central to Dream11’s business model. Citing a clause in the contract allowing for exit in the event of such regulatory changes, the company informed the BCCI of its decision to terminate the agreement. The Dream11 contract was valued at approximately USD 44 million (INR 358 crore) and was scheduled to run until 2026.
This is not the first instance of the BCCI dealing with a sponsor’s premature exit. Smartphone manufacturer OPPO ended its contract in early 2019, while ed-tech company BYJU’S briefly took over before Dream11 became the sponsor in 2023.
In its new invitation, the BCCI clarified that companies associated with alcohol, tobacco, gambling, betting, cryptocurrency, or any activities deemed offensive to public morals, including pornography, are ineligible to submit bids.
The Indian cricket team is scheduled to depart for the UAE on September 4th. They will compete against the UAE and Pakistan in the group stage matches on September 10th and September 14th in Dubai, followed by a match against Oman on September 19th in Abu Dhabi. India is placed in Group A, while Group B consists of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four phase. The top two teams from this round will then compete in the final on September 28th.