Dream11 Has Stepped Down As Team India’s Sponsor Just Before The Asia Cup

Introduction

The cricketing world was taken by surprise when Dream11 Has Stepped Down As Team India’s Sponsor Just Before The Asia Cup. As the highly-anticipated continental tournament edges closer, India finds itself without its lead jersey sponsor. The abrupt move comes amid new government regulations that have shaken up the lucrative real-money gaming industry in India. The primary keyword, Dream11 Has Stepped Down As Team India’s Sponsor, now dominates headlines as stakeholders, fans, and players await BCCI’s next move.

What Led to Dream11’s Exit as Team India’s Sponsor?

The immediate trigger behind Dream11’s withdrawal is the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. This bill, passed on August 21st, 2025, bans real-money gaming platforms in India, encompassing giants like Dream11. With these legal changes, Dream11 could no longer operate its primary business model, making its continued sponsorship of the Indian cricket team impossible.

The original sponsorship agreement, signed in 2023 and valued at ₹358 crore, obligated Dream11 to pay ₹3 crore per home match and ₹1 crore for each away game until 2026. However, the new law forced not only Dream11 but also other gaming companies like My11Circle and PokerBaazi to halt their real-money gaming services in India.

Impact of Dream11’s Exit on Indian Cricket

Immediate Commercial Implications

Dream11 Has Stepped Down As Team India’s Sponsor at a crucial juncture, just weeks ahead of the Asia Cup scheduled to begin on September 9th, 2025, in the UAE. Losing its lead sponsor puts both the BCCI and Team India in a tight spot, especially since jerseys had already been printed with Dream11’s logo.

The BCCI must now scramble to find a new sponsor to maximize visibility and revenue during one of cricket’s most-watched tournaments. The board has invited fresh bids for the coveted jersey sponsorship, attracting attention from major brands, including Reliance Jio, Toyota, and fintech startups.

Fan and Brand Sentiment

Dream11’s association with Indian cricket—reinforced through celebrity endorsements by icons like M.S. Dhoni and Rohit Sharma—was emblematic of how fantasy sports platforms surged in mainstream appeal. The withdrawal signals the sudden volatility facing brands when regulatory environments shift, igniting a new era for Indian cricket sponsorships.

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Legal and Industry Reactions

Government’s Rationale

The government’s objective behind the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 is to safeguard Indian consumers while enabling innovation within the digital gaming sector. The law strictly targets cash-based games and gambling, while allowing pure e-sports and social games to continue. As a direct result, Dream11 and its peers are rapidly pivoting their models or suspending operations entirely in India.

BCCI’s Response

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia reiterated that the board will strictly follow national policies:

“If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy of the country as framed by the central government.”

The board’s swift compliance and invitation for new sponsorship bids illustrate its adaptability during rapid regulatory shifts.

What’s Next for Team India Before the Asia Cup 2025?

With Dream11 Has Stepped Down As Team India’s Sponsor, all eyes are on the BCCI as it embarks on finding a new partner before the Asia Cup. Sponsorship of the Indian cricket jersey remains extremely lucrative, with the board expecting a greater financial return from the next deal given the team’s immense brand value. If no sponsor is secured in time, the Indian team could possibly play the opening games of the Asia Cup without a lead sponsor—an extremely rare occurrence in modern cricket.

Reliance Jio, Toyota, and a fintech start-up are believed to be in the running, each keen to capitalize on India’s cricketing popularity. The board is expected to finalize a new deal urgently, ensuring minimal disruption to the team’s on-field and off-field preparations.

Conclusion

Dream11 Has Stepped Down As Team India’s Sponsor Just Before The Asia Cup is more than just a sponsorship headline—it marks a turning point for Indian cricket and the broader gaming industry. As the BCCI moves to secure a new jersey sponsor before the tournament, this episode stands as a reminder of how quickly regulatory landscapes can reshape commercial relationships and sporting institutions. The search for India’s next lead sponsor is on, with high stakes for both cricketing pride and commercial interests.

Read more: What’s Buzzing in India Today? Top News Stories of 3rd July 2025

FAQs – Dream11 Has Stepped Down As Team India’s Sponsor

Q1. Why did Dream11 step down as Team India’s sponsor?

A: Dream11 exited the sponsorship following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming platforms in India.

Q2. When does the Asia Cup 2025 begin?

A: The Asia Cup 2025 starts on September 9th, with Team India’s first match scheduled on September 10th in the UAE.

Q3. Who are the possible new sponsors for Team India’s jersey?

A: Reliance Jio, Toyota, and an unnamed fintech company are reported to be in talks for the new sponsorship rights.

Q4. How much was the Dream11 sponsorship deal worth?

A: Dream11 signed a three-year deal in 2023 worth ₹358 crore, with substantial payouts for home and away matches.

Q5. What does the new Online Gaming Bill mean for fantasy sports in India?

A: The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, bans real-money gaming and contests, leading top platforms to suspend cash games and exit certain partnerships.