BCCI seeks new sponsor after Dream11 exits amid online gaming ban

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has begun the search for a new title sponsor after confirming that fantasy sports platform Dream11 will not continue as lead sponsor of the Indian cricket team from next month’s Asia Cup, the board said on Monday. The separation follows Parliament’s recent passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which effectively bans real money gaming platforms in India and has forced Dream11 to suspend its paid contests.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told reporters that with the new government regulations the board cannot maintain a sponsorship relationship with Dream11 or similar gaming companies and that the organisation has initiated the process to invite bids for a replacement. Saikia said the tendering process including advertising, scanning and scrutinising bids will take time and is unlikely to be completed before India’s first Asia Cup match in the United Arab Emirates on September 9.

A BCCI official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the board understands Dream11’s predicament and will not penalise the company for exiting the nearly year-long remainder of a 2023 three-year, Rs 358 crore contract. The...