Big News: Dream 11 withdraws as Team India's jersey sponsor, BCCI scrambles for new partner ahead of Asia Cup 2025

In a big turn of event, Dream11 has pulled out as Team India's jersey sponsor right ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, as per a report by Indian Express. The decision dropped in just days after the Indian Parliament passed a new law that effectively banned real money-based online games. With the Asia Cup in Dubai only two weeks away, the BCCI is now scrambling to find a new team sponsor.

Dream 11 pulls out as Team India's jersey sponsor ahead of Asia Cup

A BCCI official confirmed reportedly stating that Dream11 representatives met with CEO Hemang Amin to inform him they could no longer continue with the sponsorship. As a result, they will not be the team's sponsors for the Asia Cup. The board plans to issue a new tender for a replacement sponsor shortly.

“(Representatives of) Dream11 visited the BCCI office and informed CEO Hemang Amin that they won’t be able to continue… As a result, they won’t be the team’s sponsors for the Asia Cup. The BCCI will float a new tender soon,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.

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Another official clarified that Dream11's withdrawal will not incur any penalties. The existing contract includes a clause that protects the sponsor if its primary business is negatively affected by new government legislation. This provision ensures the company is not obligated to make any further payments to the BCCI under these circumstances.

Founded 18 years ago, Dream11 has grown to become India's largest fantasy gaming platform, with a valuation of $8 billion. In July 2023, the company secured a three-year deal to become the BCCI’s lead sponsor for ₹358 crore, taking over from the educational technology firm Byju’s.

Dream11 also maintains a significant presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with sponsorship deals across various franchises. The platform has a star-studded list of brand ambassadors, including some of India's top cricketers like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah. In 2020, Dream11 also stepped in as the title sponsor for the IPL after the Chinese company Vivo withdrew.

Shortly after Parliament passed the online gaming Bill, Dream11 announced that it was immediately suspending all paid contests on its platform. In response to the new legislation, the company stated it would only offer free-to-play online games.

It will be interesting to see Team India's new sponsor as time is ticking away and Asia Cup is around the corner and BCCI will have a challenge to bring the new partner right ahead of the showpiece tournament which is set to start from September 9.