Team India may enter the upcoming Men’s Asia Cup 2025 without a jersey sponsor after the Indian government’s ban on fantasy sports and online gambling platforms. The Asia Cup, set to begin on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates, coincides with the fallout from the recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which prohibits platforms like Dream11 from operating in the country.
Dream11, India’s lead jersey sponsor since July 2023 under a three-year contract, confirmed that it has ceased all cash games and contests following the bill’s approval in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The legislation not only bans such platforms but also criminalizes their promotion and financing, with offenders facing up to five years in prison.
Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia addressed the issue, stating that the board will comply fully with the government’s policies. “If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy of the country that is framed by the central government,” Saikia told AFP.
Government figures estimate that fantasy sports platforms had been drawing nearly USD 2.3 billion annually from around 450 million users in India. Supporters of the bill, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighted its dual intent — encouraging innovation in e-sports and online social games while curbing the harmful effects of money-based gaming.
As the Asia Cup approaches, the situation leaves Team India in a race against time to secure a new sponsor or risk wearing unbranded jerseys during one of the region’s most prominent cricket tournaments.
