Team India’s lead sponsorship tender opens as BCCI bans online money gaming firms and other restricted sectors from bidding.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially invited reputed firms to bid for the coveted lead sponsorship rights for Team India. This development follows the abrupt exit of fantasy gaming giant Dream11, which had been the title sponsor for Team India since 2023 but was forced to terminate its contract prematurely due to a government ban on real-money online gaming platforms introduced under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
The bidding process commenced on September 2, 2025, with a deadline for submission set as September 16, 2025, leaving little room for a lead sponsor to be present during the Asia Cup 2025, which begins on September 9. The BCCI, however, is focused on securing a long-term, sustainable partnership that looks beyond immediate tournaments to marquee events like the 2027 ODI World Cup and beyond.
The Dream11 saga: A backdrop
Dream11 had been a sponsor for Indian cricket since it took over the lead sponsorship in 2023 in a deal worth $44 million (approximately Rs 358 crore) for the three-year cycle ending in 2026. The platform, which popularised fantasy sports across India, significantly contributed to the financial ecosystem of Indian cricket.
However, the enactment of the Online Gaming Act introduced a blanket ban on real-money gaming and fantasy sports platforms operating in India. This legislation strictly prohibits offering or promoting real-money gaming services and restricts related advertisements.
As a consequence, the BCCI was compelled to sever ties with Dream11, despite the contract having a year left. The company had included a contractual clause protecting it from further financial obligations should its business face a government ban, thus averting any claims of damages by the BCCI for the contract’s premature termination.
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Prohibited brand categories
In the wake of Dream11’s exit, the BCCI has laid down stringent eligibility criteria for bidders interested in acquiring the lead sponsorship rights, aiming to avoid future controversies and ensure regulatory compliance. The board has banned companies involved in online money gaming, betting, and gambling services from applying for the sponsorship. This includes entities operating in India or abroad, as long as they provide real-money gaming services to Indian users.
The banned categories extend beyond just online gaming firms. Cryptocurrency companies engaged in trading, exchanges, tokens, or any similar businesses are also barred. Moreover, companies dealing in alcohol, tobacco, pornography, or any content offensive to public morals have been explicitly prohibited from bidding.
Additionally, the BCCI prohibits applications through surrogate branding, where companies might try to bid using alternate names, brands, or entities to bypass these restrictions.
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Eligibility criteria and selection norms
The BCCI has made it clear that only financially robust and reputed firms will be considered as lead sponsors. Specifically, bidders need to have an average turnover or an average net worth of at least Rs 300 crore over the last three audited financial years.
Apart from financial strength, bidders must satisfy the “fit and proper person” criteria, which includes no criminal convictions on economic offenses, fraud, or moral turpitude. They should not be listed as willful defaulters and must demonstrate an impeccable reputation with no conflicts of interest under BCCI’s rules.
Commercial implications and future outlook
The BCCI is seeking to secure around ₹ 452 crore from new front-of-jersey sponsorship rights following the premature exit of Dream11. The lead sponsorship is one of the most visible and valuable assets in Indian cricket’s commercial portfolio, with branding rights that include front-of-jersey logos for the men’s and women’s teams across home and away matches, ICC events, and tournaments run by the Asian Cricket Council.
The upcoming Asia Cup 2025 will start without a lead sponsor. However, the BCCI has chosen not to rush into any agreement, focusing instead on long-term partnerships with reputed firms that offer brand synergy, regulatory compliance, and financial strength.
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