Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially invited bids for Team India’s title sponsorship rights after fantasy sports platform Dream11 pulled out. In its release on Tuesday, the board also clarified that firms engaged in real money gaming, cryptocurrency, tobacco, liquor, or other banned sectors would not be allowed to bid.
Dream11’s Exit Amid Regulatory Changes
Dream11, together with My11Circle, had added almost ₹1,000 crore to Indian cricket sponsorships before being compelled to withdraw following the implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The act prohibits online money gaming, betting, or gambling services in India in any form, as well as advertisements promoting such services.
Dream11 had acquired rights for USD 44 million (₹358 crore) between 2023 and 2026 but is withdrawing almost a year ahead of schedule. The company will not pay any penalties, as the withdrawal is due to regulatory compliance and not because of any issues in the contract.
Tight Restrictions on Eligible Bidders
In its official notification, the BCCI declared that no bidder or group companies of it must be linked with online gambling, betting, or gaming activities in India or around the world. The prohibition is also on companies that handle tobacco, alcohol, pornography, or other business that is considered contrary to public morals.
Additionally, the board reinforced that surrogate branding by using other brand names or subsidiaries to evade restrictions would not be allowed.
Blocked Brand Categories
Some categories have been omitted from bidding because of pre-existing associations with the BCCI. These are:
- Athleisure & Sportswear – already partnered with Adidas.
- Beverages – with Campa Cola onboard.
- Banks & Financial Services – IDFC First Bank.
- Insurance – SBI Life.
- Consumer Electronics (fans, mixer grinders, safety locks) – falling under existing sponsorships.
This avoids any conflict with existing sponsorship contracts.
Financial Criteria for Bidders
To make sure only financially sound companies bid, the BCCI has imposed stringent eligibility criteria:
- A minimum average turnover of ₹300 crore in the last three years, or
- A minimum average net worth of ₹300 crore in the same duration.
The last date for buying the Invitation to Express Interest (IEOI) is September 12, and bid submission is on September 16.
Transition to a New Sponsor
Drawing near India’s congested cricket schedule, which features future home series and prominent ICC events, the BCCI would like to quickly seal a new title sponsor. Industry watchers indicate leading consumer companies, particularly technology, FMCG, and auto majors, could be front-runners.
A top BCCI official clarified, “We understand Dream11’s situation fully. This is a government matter of regulation, and we must comply. We hope to identify a new partner that will share the values of Indian cricket.”
The rights are highly visible in appearing on the Indian team’s shirts in all formats, training apparel, and official team releases. With Dream11’s withdrawal, the battle for one of world cricket’s most commercially attractive deals has commenced albeit under the tightest guidelines ever.
