For the first time in recent memory, Team India will walk into a major tournament – the Asia Cup 2025 – without a title sponsor on their jersey. And no, it’s not a branding choice. It’s a reflection of changing times, shifting rules, and a growing price tag attached to cricket’s most marketable team.
Dream11 Bows Out, BCCI Raises the Bar
It all started with the government’s new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, a law that essentially bans real-money gaming across the country. The ripple effect reached cricket’s doorstep almost instantly.
Fantasy sports giant Dream11, which had been proudly front and center on the Indian team’s jersey, was forced to pull out of its sponsorship deal after shutting down its real-money operations. The BCCI quickly responded by terminating the contract, respecting the new government mandate.
Now, with Dream11 out of the picture, the BCCI has upped the ante for future sponsors. According to a Cricbuzz report, Rs 3.5 crore per match will now be the price to sponsor India in bilateral series, and Rs 1.5 crore for each game in multilateral events like ICC and ACC tournaments.
These are slight hikes from the previous rates – Rs 3.17 crore and Rs 1.12 crore respectively but symbolic of something bigger: sponsoring Team India is premium real estate, and it’s only getting pricier.
No Gaming or Crypto Brands Allowed
While the bidding process for new sponsors is officially open, there are new rules in play. Companies involved in real money gaming or cryptocurrency – once major players in sports marketing are now barred from bidding due to the same government regulations.
So, the sponsorship field just got a bit narrower, and more exclusive.
But despite that, the BCCI is expected to rake in serious money. Some early estimates suggest over Rs 400 crore could be generated through the new deal – although the final amount will depend on the outcome of the bidding war.
No Jersey Sponsor for Asia Cup
Here’s the unusual part: because the deadline for sponsorship bids is September 16, and the Asia Cup begins on September 9, Team India will go into the tournament without a sponsor logo on their jerseys.
It’s a rare sight in modern cricket, where every square inch of a player’s clothing is usually prime advertising space. But come September, India’s iconic blue kit will be clean, sponsorless, and surprisingly nostalgic – almost like a throwback to simpler times.
A Changing Landscape in Indian Cricket
This isn’t just about logos or money – it’s about how India’s cricketing ecosystem is evolving. The mix of government regulations, rising costs, and a reshuffling of commercial priorities is reshaping the game off the field.
While fantasy sports and crypto brands had their time in the sun, the future of Team India’s sponsorship might now lie in the hands of traditional players – think banking, telecom, FMCG, and tech giants – looking to connect with millions of cricket fans across the globe.
Final Word
As India kicks off its Asia Cup campaign in the UAE without a sponsor on the jersey, fans may notice the blank space but the players won’t. The focus remains the same: playing for the badge on the front, whether or not there’s a brand name beside it.
And for sponsors lining up in the background, one thing is certain: it’ll cost more than ever to be seen on cricket’s most-watched team.
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