BCCI officially confirms India’s sponsor-less Asia Cup 2025 campaign, opens bidding process
BCCI Invites Bids for Indian Cricket Team’s Lead Sponsorship Rights
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially opened the bidding process for the Indian cricket team’s lead sponsorship rights after Dream11 decided to withdraw from its role. The move comes following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill by the Indian Parliament, which has led to restrictions on fantasy sports and gambling platforms operating in the country.
BCCI’s Call for Applications
In a recent statement, the BCCI announced the Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) for reputed companies interested in securing branding on the national side’s jersey front. The IEOI document can be obtained upon payment of a non-refundable fee of INR 5,00,000 plus GST. The board is calling on entities to submit applications for the National Team Lead Sponsor Rights.
Dream11’s Departure
Dream11 had previously signed a three-year deal worth ₹358 crore with the BCCI in 2023, becoming the lead jersey sponsor for all Indian cricket teams. However, due to the restrictions imposed by the new legislation, the company has decided to withdraw from its sponsorship role, leading to the bidding process for a new lead sponsor.
Asia Cup 2025 and Team India
As the bidding process unfolds, the Indian cricket team is gearing up to kick off their campaign in the Asia Cup 2025. The team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will start their journey against the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 10. Subsequently, they will face archrivals Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19 in the group stage.
Squad Announcement
Team India announced their 15-member squad on August 19, with Suryakumar Yadav appointed as captain and Shubman Gill as his deputy. Despite an impressive IPL season, Shreyas Iyer was notably left out of the squad. The Men in Blue are the defending champions of the 50-over Asia Cup from 2023, and this year’s tournament will be played in the T20 format as preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.
Important Dates
Entities interested in bidding for the National Team Lead Sponsor Rights must purchase the IEOI by September 12 and submit bid documents by September 16. The bidding process will conclude before the Asia Cup begins, meaning the Indian cricket team will compete without a jersey sponsor for the tournament.
In Conclusion
With the bidding process now open, the BCCI is looking for a new sponsor to adorn the Indian cricket team’s jersey. As Team India prepares to defend their title in the Asia Cup, the search for a new lead sponsor adds an element of excitement and anticipation for both fans and businesses interested in associating with the prestigious cricket team.
The departure of Dream11 as the lead sponsor for the Indian cricket team has stirred up the sponsorship landscape, prompting the BCCI to invite bids from potential suitors. This move comes at a crucial juncture for Indian cricket, as the team gears up for the Asia Cup 2025 under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav. The tournament holds significance as it will serve as a precursor to the ICC T20 World Cup in 2026.
The bidding process for the lead sponsorship rights of the Indian cricket team has sparked interest among various companies looking to align their brand with one of the most popular and successful cricket teams in the world. With the bidding window closing soon, the competition to secure the coveted spot on the national team’s jersey is expected to be fierce.
The Asia Cup 2025 holds immense importance for Team India as they aim to defend their title and fine-tune their skills ahead of the T20 World Cup. The squad announcement, with Suryakumar Yadav at the helm and Shubman Gill as his deputy, has already generated buzz among fans and pundits alike. The omission of Shreyas Iyer, despite his stellar performances in the IPL, has raised eyebrows and added an element of surprise to the team composition.
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the commencement of the Asia Cup, the absence of a lead sponsor for Team India during the tournament adds an intriguing subplot to the proceedings. The BCCI’s call for bids has created a buzz in the sponsorship arena, with companies vying for the opportunity to be associated with the Indian cricket team and gain visibility on a global stage.
The bidding process for the national team’s lead sponsorship rights underscores the ever-evolving landscape of sports marketing and the immense value that brands see in partnering with successful and high-profile teams like Team India. The opportunity to have their logo emblazoned on the Indian cricket team’s jersey is a coveted prospect for companies looking to enhance their brand visibility and reach a massive audience of passionate cricket enthusiasts.
Overall, the bidding process for the lead sponsorship rights of the Indian cricket team adds an air of excitement and anticipation to the upcoming Asia Cup. As the team prepares to take on the best in the region, the search for a new sponsor injects a fresh dynamic into the mix, creating opportunities for brands to forge lasting connections with fans and capitalize on the immense popularity of Indian cricket both domestically and internationally.


