From Crypto to Online Gaming – Here’s Who Can’t Sponsor Team India After BCCI’s New Rules
BCCI bans online gaming, cryptocurrency, alcohol, and tobacco firms from bidding for India’s lead sponsorship rights after Dream11’s exit. Here’s the full list of dos and don’ts.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued strict guidelines for companies eyeing the lead sponsorship rights of Team India.
The move comes after online gaming platform Dream11 pulled out of its contract in August 2025 following the government’s introduction of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act.
With the Asia Cup 2025 starting on September 9, India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, could well enter the tournament without a jersey sponsor.
BCCI opened bids for the new deal on Tuesday, but with a tough set of dos and don’ts, the pool of eligible companies has narrowed drastically.
The last date for purchasing the Expression of Interest (IEOI) is September 12, and the deadline to submit bids is September 16. Only companies with an annual turnover or net worth of at least INR 300 crore over the last three years can apply.
BCCI has banned brands from cryptocurrency, online money gaming, betting, gambling, alcohol, tobacco, and other categories deemed harmful or in violation of the new law. Surrogate branding has also been strictly prohibited.
Companies already associated with BCCI as sponsors have their categories blocked, including banks, NBFCs, insurance, non-alcoholic beverages, sportswear, and household electronics.
The board has also made clear that integrity and compliance will be scrutinised. Convictions related to fraud, economic offences, moral turpitude, or conflicts of interest will make bidders ineligible.
“BCCI reserves the right to cancel or amend the IEOI process at any stage in any manner without providing any reason,” the board said.
The three-year deal with Dream11, signed in 2023, ended prematurely, leaving the world’s richest cricket board to hunt for a new lead sponsor in a restricted market.
