Team India in financial crisis before Asia Cup 2025

Dream11 has reportedly withdrawn as the lead jersey sponsor for the Indian cricket team just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE. The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian cricket team might play without a sponsor logo on the jersey, as the BCCI is expected to invite new bids to fill the sponsorship slot.

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed in the Indian Parliament on Thursday. Notably, the new law prohibits real-money online gaming platforms, including fantasy sports, poker, and betting sites. Promoters may face up to three years in prison and fines of up to ₹1 crore.

Dream11 Unlikely To Continue As Team India’s Lead Sponsor For Asia Cup 2025

Fantasy sports platform Dream11 is reportedly set to end its sponsorship agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. The company and the board have not released an official statement, and the partnership may not continue.

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According to an NDTV report, Dream11 is not keen on carrying forward the deal and is highly unlikely to appear as Team India’s lead sponsor in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025.

Earlier on Friday, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia stated that the board will follow all laws. He added that the BCCI will refrain from impermissible activities and fully comply with policies set by the central government.

“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.

BCCI To Invite Fresh Bids For Jersey Sponsorship After Dream11 Exit

The NDTV report further stated that the BCCI is planning to invite new bids for Team India’s jersey sponsorship following Dream11’s exit. If a replacement sponsor is not finalized before the Asia Cup, starting September 9 in the UAE, the team may compete without a lead sponsor.

It’s worth mentioning that jerseys with the Dream11 logo have already been printed, but they will not be used during the tournament. Dream11 had signed a ₹358 crore deal with the BCCI in 2023, which was ₹3 crore per home game and ₹1 crore per away match.

The Online Gaming Bill, banning real-money platforms in India, directly affects Dream11’s business model, causing the early termination of the three-year contract with the BCCI. Notably, the Asia Cup 2025 will take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with the final scheduled for September 28.

We Are Not Playing Bilateral Cricket With Pakistan - Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

In an interview with News18, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya spoke about the new Sports Bill and the stance on cricket ties with Pakistan. He stated that bilateral matches with Pakistan will not take place, but India must compete against them in international tournaments as per global commitments.

Mandaviya further stated that India’s athletes will always compete to ensure no opponent wins without resistance.

“We are not playing cricket with Pakistan bilaterally. In multilateral tournaments, we have to follow the bond—no country can deny visas to athletes of another nation."

Also read: Cheteshwar Pujara retires from all forms of Cricket