Team India will compete in the Asia Cup 2025 without a lead sponsor, meaning the word ‘India’ will appear bigger and brighter on the jerseys of Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill and others. The change comes after fantasy sports platform Dream11 terminated its contract with the BCCI last month, citing new government regulations that disrupted its core business model. While it is not unusual to see Indian players without a title sponsor during ICC events, this will be the first time it happens in a non-ICC tournament. Dream11’s early exit was triggered by the Indian government’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming bill, which outlaws real-money gaming. The company, whose business relies primarily on this model, invoked an exit clause in its contract with the BCCI. Signed in 2023, the deal was valued at approximately USD 44 million (INR 358 crore) and was originally set to run until 2026. The BCCI has acted quickly to fill the vacant title sponsorship and has issued a fresh round of bidding. On September 2, the board released an “Invitation to Tender,” calling for companies to submit expressions of interest for the team’s lead sponsorship rights. Interested firms can purchase the ITT until September 12, with final bids due by September 16. However, with the Asia Cup starting on September 9, the Indian team will likely begin their campaign without sponsor branding on their kits. This situation echoes previous sponsorship challenges faced by the BCCI. In 2019, OPPO pulled out mid-contract, and the board subsequently brought in ed-tech firm Byju’s, which later gave way to Dream11. The BCCI has set strict eligibility criteria for potential sponsors. Companies associated with alcohol, gambling, cryptocurrency, online money gaming, tobacco, or offerings deemed offensive to public morals such as pornography are barred from bidding. The goal is to maintain partnerships that align with Indian values and legal norms. Team India is scheduled to depart for the United Arab Emirates on September 4. They are grouped with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in Group A. The squad will face UAE on September 10 in Dubai, take on Pakistan on September 14 at the same venue, and conclude the group stage against Oman in Abu Dhabi on September 19. Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, which will decide the finalists for the September 28 showdown.
