Just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025, the fantasy sports behemoth Dream11, which had been Team India’s title sponsor since 2023, announced its withdrawal following the adoption of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. Dream11 was f orced to shut down since the new law prohibited real-money gaming platforms.
See you in our second innings. pic.twitter.com/oEfBNiC4dd
— Dream11 (@Dream11) August 22, 2025This has made room for new companies, and a fintech start-up, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited have already indicated interest in obtaining the sought-after sponsorship rights, according to an NDTV report.
In 2023, Dream11 signed a contract for INR 358 crore with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which includes payments of INR 3 crore for each home game and INR 1 crore for each away game. However, Dream11 left because of the government’s tough stance against real-money gambling platforms. The company’s departure is noteworthy since it occurs just a few days before the Asia Cup, which is set to start in the United Arab Emirates on September 9 and feature matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. According to BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, the board would follow national laws. Additionally, he said that
“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. BCCI and Dream 11 are discontinuing their relationship after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed. BCCI will ensure not to indulge with any such organisations ahead in future,” Saikia said.
The three interested parties are eager to tap into Indian cricket’s brand value
The BCCI is expected to swiftly select a new sponsor now that Dream11 is no longer involved. According to sources, the board is anticipating a larger financial return from the upcoming deal than Dream11 had provided.
The three interested parties are Reliance Jio, Toyota, and the unidentified fintech start-up all that are keen to take advantage of the brand value of Indian cricket. Working directly with the national team would be beneficial to Reliance Jio, a huge entity in Indian sports sponsorships, as it may enhance corporate brand positioning. Toyota has also been the sponsor of cricket and specifically on the shirts of the Australian cricket team.
The Indian team may compete in the continental tournament without a lead sponsor if the BCCI is unable to find a new one before to the Asia Cup. Interestingly, Dream11-branded jerseys have already been produced, but they won’t be worn at the competition.
