BCCI Invites Bids for Indian Team Title Sponsor, Bars Gambling, Crypto & Alcohol Brands
The BCCI has opened bids for the Indian cricket team’s title sponsorship after Dream11 pulled out, but companies linked to real money gaming and cryptocurrency are not allowed due to a government ban. Dream11 had to shut down its money-based games following the new Online Gaming Act 2025, which prohibits offering or promoting any form of online money gaming.
Dream11 and My11Circle had jointly contributed around ₹1,000 crore to the BCCI through title sponsorships for the Indian cricket team and the IPL. However, with the Asia Cup in the UAE beginning on September 9, India will play the tournament without a jersey sponsor. The BCCI has now invited fresh bids with the last date to purchase the Expression of Interest (EOI) set for September 12 and the final submissions due by September 16.
Strict Eligibility Rules for New Sponsors
The BCCI has laid down strict eligibility rules for new sponsors. The tender document clearly states that no bidder or its group companies should be involved in online money gaming, betting or gambling services anywhere in the world. They are also not allowed to provide or promote such services in India or hold any investment in companies linked to these activities.
In addition, the BCCI has barred companies linked to tobacco, alcohol and any entity that may offend public morals, including pornography, from applying. It also clarified that some categories are blocked due to existing sponsors, such as sportswear brands, banks and financial service companies, non-alcoholic beverages, appliance makers like fans and mixer grinders and insurance firms.
"The BCCI fully understands one of our sponsorship partner's plight. It is not their fault and unlike other issues of payment default, there won't be any penalty levied on Dream11. This is a government rule and full compliance is required and in the current scenario, there business will be impacted," a top BCCI official had told PTI on conditions of anonymity earlier.
Prohibited & Blocked Sponsorship Categories
| Category Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Prohibited Categories | Alcohol products |
| Betting or gambling services | |
| Cryptocurrency and related businesses | |
| Online money gaming or any activity banned under the Online Gaming Act, 2025 | |
| Tobacco products | |
| Any brand that could offend public morals (such as pornography) | |
| Blocked Categories (Already sponsored sectors) | Athleisure and sportswear manufacturers (Adidas – current kit sponsor) |
| Banks, financial services, and NBFCs (IDFC Bank – current title sponsor) | |
| Non-alcoholic cold beverages (Campa – official partners) | |
| Fans, mixer grinders, and safety locks (Atomberg Technologies – official partners) | |
| Insurance (SBI Life – official partners) |
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