Just 16 days before the start of the Asia Cup in the UAE, fantasy sports platform Dream11 has reportedly withdrawn as the lead jersey sponsor of the Indian cricket team. The move comes after Parliament passed the ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill’, which bans online fantasy sports and gambling platforms.
BCCI’s Response
According to reports, Dream11 is “not willing to continue its deal” with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), though no official announcement has been made yet. BCCI secretary Devajit Saiki said the board will abide by the country’s laws. “If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy framed by the central government,” he stated.
Search for a New Sponsor
The BCCI is now likely to invite fresh bids for jersey sponsorship rights before the Asia Cup. However, if a deal cannot be finalized in time, India may take the field without a lead sponsor during the tournament. Sources also revealed that the new jerseys featuring Dream11’s branding had already been printed, but they are unlikely to be used.
A Troubled History of Sponsors
Dream11, which signed a ₹358 crore three-year contract in July 2023, now joins a list of past sponsors who faced financial or legal troubles:
- Sahara (2001–2013) was hit by SEBI action over regulatory violations.
- Star India (2014–2017) came under Competition Commission scrutiny.
- Oppo (2017–2020) exited citing financial strain.
- Byju’s (2020–2023) ended on a sour note, with BCCI dragging the company to court over unpaid dues.
Asia Cup Campaign
India will open their Asia Cup campaign on September 10 against the UAE, followed by a high-voltage clash against Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. The third Group A fixture will be against Oman on September 19.
