Introduction
BCCI Sponsorship 2025 has taken a dramatic turn after Dream11 ended its deal early due to India’s new online gaming law. As a result, Team India will wear jerseys without a sponsor during the Asia Cup 2025. Meanwhile, BCCI has already opened a fresh sponsorship tender with strict rules, higher revenue targets, and strong interest from top brands.
Key Points
- Dream11 exits BCCI sponsorship due to new online gaming regulations.
- India to play the Asia Cup 2025 in jerseys without a sponsor logo.
- BCCI launches a new sponsorship tender with tough eligibility rules.
- Potential bidders include Tata, Reliance, and Adani.
- BCCI expects around ₹452 crore revenue in the next sponsorship cycle.
Dream11 Exits BCCI Sponsorship
Dream11, which signed a ₹358 crore deal in 2023, has officially exited its agreement with BCCI. The move follows the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming and its promotion. This law made fantasy platforms like Dream11 ineligible to sponsor Team India’s jerseys.
BCCI Sponsorship Tender and Rules
The BCCI issued an Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) for new jersey sponsorship rights, on September 2, 2025,
Eligibility requirements:
- At least ₹300 crore annual turnover (average over last 3 years), OR
- At least ₹300 crore net worth (average over last 3 years)
Deadlines:
- Tender purchase: September 12, 2025
- Submission: September 16, 2025
Prohibited categories:
- Online betting, gaming, gambling
- Cryptocurrency exchanges
- Tobacco, alcohol, adult content
- Surrogate branding attempts
Blocked due to existing partnerships:
- Banking and financial services
- Athleisure/sportswear
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Fans, appliances, locks
- Insurance
Asia Cup 2025: Blank Jerseys for Team India
Since the tender process will end after the Asia Cup begins on September 9, 2025, India will take the field in blank jerseys without any sponsor. This rare scenario highlights the fast-changing sponsorship environment in cricket.
Potential Bidders for BCCI Sponsorship 2025
While no official shortlist is released yet, several big names are expected to join the race:
- Tata Group – Already IPL’s title sponsor and a trusted sports partner.
- Reliance (Jio / Viacom18) – Major broadcaster and sports investor.
- Adani Group – Expanding into sports with strong financial backing.
- Toyota & fintech firms – Mentioned in media reports as possible entrants.
(Note: These are speculative, based on media chatter. Final bidders will be known after Sept 16, 2025.)
Historical Jersey Sponsors of Team India
The sponsorship journey of Indian cricket has seen many big names:
- ITC Wills / ITC Hotels (1993–2001) – Ended after tobacco ad restrictions.
- Sahara India (2001–2013) – One of the longest sponsorship runs.
- Star India (2014–2017) – Brought broadcasting and branding power.
- OPPO (2017–2019) – Exited early, transferring rights to BYJU’S.
- BYJU’S (2019–2023) – Edtech major, but pulled out amid financial stress.
- Dream11 (2023–2025) – Ended due to new gaming law.
BCCI Sponsorship Revenue Plans
BCCI is confident of earning 20% more than the Dream11 deal. According to reports:
- ₹3.5 crore per bilateral match
- ₹1.5 crore per ICC/ACC tournament match
- ₹452 crore total expected in the next 3-year cycle
This shows the strong commercial appeal of Indian cricket, even in a tougher regulatory climate.
Why This Matters for Fans and Brands
For fans, the immediate change will be visible during the Asia Cup 2025, when India plays without a sponsor logo. For brands, the new tender is a rare opportunity to associate with the most-followed cricket team in the world. BCCI’s careful structuring of rules also shows its focus on clean, long-term partnerships.
Conclusion
BCCI Sponsorship 2025 marks a new chapter in Indian cricket’s commercial story. With Dream11 out, India will temporarily play in sponsor-less jerseys. But the upcoming tender is expected to bring in a powerful brand, stronger rules, and higher revenue for BCCI. The next sponsor will not just invest money—it will become a part of India’s cricket identity.
