India to Start Asia Cup 2025 Without Title Sponsor After Dream11 Exit
The Indian cricket team is likely to enter the ground with no sponsor-printed jersey. India will take part in the Asia Cup 2025 without a sponsor. Dream11 has terminated this contract.
The Indian government made a new policy for the sponsors. They banned real-money online gaming. Even if no one can sponsor them.
Indian cricket team’s latest sponsors
The Indian cricket team has changed many sponsors in the recent period. Some of the sponsors were long-lasting. Sahara lined for almost 12 years, from 2002 to 2013. Here is the complete list:
- ITC Wills (1993 to 2002)
- Sahara (2002 to 2013)
- Star India (2014 to 2017)
- Oppo (2017 to 2019)
- Byju’s (2019 to 2023)
- Dream11 (2023 to 2025) The real contract was from 2023 to 2026.
Also read: India squad for the Asia Cup 2025
Dream11 Pulls Out Following Gaming Ban
After the Indian government had no clear gaming policy, Dream11 withdrew its sponsorship. Dream11 had no advantage to stick with it. They just terminated the contract with BCCI.
BCCI could not do anything in this matter. They also exited from sponsorship. The contract was expected to be 2.6 billion rupees ($44 million). It is a big loss for both the sponsor and the organizer.
BCCI Scrambles to Find Replacement Sponsor
BCCI announced the bid for the sponsorship. They allowed everyone to get the sponsorship in no time. BCCI may find a new sponsor for the upcoming event. The Asia Cup 2025 is a big event and can also earn big.
BCCI scrambles now to find a replacement sponsor. They could not find a sponsor title for the Indian cricket team jersey. Some sponsors made bids, but those were not beneficial.
Strict Eligibility Rules for New Bidders
The BCCI established a process for the new bids. They have ensured that the sponsor should not promote real-money gaming. They ensured that the new bidders were eligible under the government rules.
These strict rules deterred no sponsor from entering this bid. Some were interested but could not finalize the contract. It is now a rumor that Toyota may sponsor the Indian jersey. However, no confirmation has been given by the board.
India May Take Field With Blank Jerseys
The Indian cricket team will likely enter the cricket field without a sponsored jersey. The Indian jersey will be blank in this event. It is not unusual that the Indian team will enter the field without a sponsor.
The BCCI has decided to close the bidding on 12 September. The sponsor will be announced or finalized before 16 September. Before this period, the Indian cricket team had no sponsored jerseys.
