The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially invited applications for a new title sponsor for the Indian cricket team. This move comes after Dream11 informed the board that it would be unable to continue its sponsorship deal, a consequence of a recent parliamentary law that banned real-money-based online gaming. As a result, the Indian team will enter the upcoming Asia Cup without a title sponsor.
In an official statement, the BCCI announced the release of its "Invitation for Expression of Interest for National Team Lead Sponsor Rights." The lead sponsorship will cover both the senior men's and women's teams, as well as age-group squads. The board has set a deadline of September 12 to purchase the invitation and a final bid submission date of September 16.
The change in sponsorship follows the premature exit of Dream11, which had signed a three-year deal worth an estimated US$44 million (approximately Rs 358 crore) in 2023. Together with My11Circle, another fantasy sports platform, the two companies previously contributed nearly Rs 1,000 crore to the BCCI through various team and league sponsorships, highlighting the significant financial impact of this change.
The BCCI has established clear eligibility criteria for potential bidders. Due to the new government law, companies involved in real-money gaming and cryptocurrency are explicitly barred from applying. The list of restricted categories also includes alcohol, tobacco, and any entity that is "likely to offend public morals." Additionally, bidders must have an average turnover or net worth of at least Rs 300 crore for the last three years.
If the process proceeds swiftly, the new title sponsor could be in place for the Indian women's team ahead of their World Cup campaign, which begins on September 30. The search for a new lead sponsor marks a significant moment for the Indian cricket board as it adapts to a changing regulatory environment while seeking a new long-term partner for the national teams.
