Just over two weeks before the Asia Cup 2025 kicks off in the UAE, fantasy sports platform Dream11 has reportedly withdrawn as the lead jersey sponsor of the Indian cricket team.
The move follows the passing of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which bans fantasy sports and gambling platforms across India.
According to an NDTV report, Dream11 is “not willing to continue its deal” with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), though neither party has officially confirmed the exit.
Dream11 had signed a ₹358 crore deal in July 2023 for three years. Their abrupt exit now places the BCCI in a time crunch to secure a new sponsor before the Asia Cup begins on September 9. If no agreement is reached in time, India may play the tournament without a lead jersey sponsor.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saiki addressed the matter, stating:
“If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy framed by the central government.”
Sources also revealed that the new jerseys featuring Dream11 logos had already been printed, but are now unlikely to be used.
Dream11 now joins a list of past sponsors — like Sahara, Star India, Oppo, and Byju’s — who exited their contracts due to regulatory, financial, or legal troubles.
India’s Asia Cup campaign begins on September 10 vs UAE, followed by a high-stakes clash against Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Stadium. Oman rounds out Group A, with India facing them on September 19.
