In a significant development, Team India will enter the Asia Cup 2025 without a jersey sponsor. This change comes after Dream11, the previous title sponsor, withdrew due to the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. This Act effectively bans real-money gaming across India, prompting Dream11 to end its sponsorship deal. In response, the BCCI terminated the contract and has subsequently increased sponsorship rates. The new pricing structure sets the cost at Rs 3.5 crore per match for bilateral series and Rs 1.5 crore for multilateral tournaments. These increases underscore the high value of sponsoring Team India. Additionally, the BCCI has restricted companies involved in real-money gaming and cryptocurrency from participating in the bidding process. Despite these changes, the BCCI expects to generate significant revenue from the new sponsorship agreement. The Asia Cup 2025 begins on September 9, while the deadline for new sponsorship bids is September 16. This creates a unique scenario where the team will play without a sponsor logo on its jerseys. This situation reflects a broader shift in the Indian cricketing landscape, impacted by government regulations, increasing expenses, and evolving commercial strategies. Traditional sectors like banking, telecom, FMCG, and tech may now drive the sponsorship landscape. The players will remain focused on their performance. For sponsors, the cost of association with Team India has increased.
