India to Play Asia Cup 2025 Without Jersey Sponsor
‘India’ will appear bigger and brighter on the jerseys of Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and other stars in the Asia Cup 2025. Team India is set to compete without a lead sponsor after Dream11 terminated its contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last month.
Dream11’s move comes in response to the Indian government’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming bill, which bans real-money gaming. The fantasy sports giant, heavily dependent on this model, invoked an exit clause to end its deal early. The agreement, signed in 2023, was worth around USD 44 million (INR 358 crore) and was meant to run until 2026.
Watching the Indian team without sponsor branding is common during ICC events, but this will be the first instance in a non-ICC tournament.
BCCI Responds with Fresh Bidding
The BCCI has acted quickly to fill the gap. On September 2, it issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT), seeking expressions of interest for India’s lead sponsorship rights. Interested companies can buy the ITT until September 12, with final bids due on September 16.
However, the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off on September 9, meaning the Men in Blue will begin their campaign without a sponsor logo on their kits. This situation mirrors past sponsorship exits, like OPPO in 2019, which led to Byju’s taking over before Dream11.
Strict Rules on Eligible Sponsors
To ensure brand alignment with Indian values and laws, the BCCI has barred bids from companies linked to alcohol, gambling, cryptocurrency, online money gaming, tobacco, or any business considered offensive to public morals.
India’s Asia Cup 2025 Schedule
The Indian squad departs for the UAE on September 4. Drawn into Group A, they will face:
Group B features Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. The top two teams from each group advance to the Super Four stage, leading to the grand final on September 28.
Looking Ahead
With Dream11’s sudden exit and no replacement ready before the Asia Cup begins, fans will see the Indian team play in clean, sponsor-free jerseys. The bold “India” logo will dominate the front, symbolizing both tradition and transition as the BCCI seeks a new long-term partner.
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