Just over two weeks before the Asia Cup kicks off in the UAE, Indian cricket has been hit with a sponsorship setback. Fantasy sports platform Dream11 has reportedly pulled out as the lead jersey sponsor of the national team following the parliament’s passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which bans online fantasy sports and gambling platforms.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed it will comply with the new law and is now preparing to invite fresh bids for the jersey sponsorship rights. If no agreement is reached in time, the Indian team may compete in the Asia Cup without a lead jersey sponsor, a rare situation in modern cricket.
Dream11 had signed a three‑year deal worth ₹358 crore in July 2023, but this abrupt exit adds to a longstanding pattern of disruptions in India’s jersey sponsorship history. Sahara (2001–2013) exited amid SEBI troubles, Star India (2014–2017) was investigated by the Competition Commission, Oppo (2017–2020) withdrew citing financial pressure, and Byju’s ended in dispute over unpaid dues.
India will open their Asia Cup campaign on September 10 against hosts UAE, face Pakistan on September 14 in Dubai, and play Oman on September 19 in Group A.
