NO Jersey Sponsors for INDIAN TEAM in ASIA CUP 2025? Check Details!

In a surprising turn of events, Team India might step onto the field at the Asia Cup 2025 without a lead jersey sponsor. This means that for the first time in a non-ICC tournament, fans will see players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill, and others sporting jerseys that only carry the word “India” across their chests.

Why Did Dream11 Pull Out?

The fantasy sports website Dream11 terminated its agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) last month, which caused a sudden sponsorship gap. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which forbids real-money gaming, was the primary reason behind the action. 

Dream11 has no choice but to activate an escape provision in its agreement with the BCCI because the company's operations rely so significantly on this model. Signed in 2023, the collaboration was expected to last until 2026 and was valued at over USD 44 million (₹358 crore). The departure of Dream11 causes an economic downturn for the board and the company.

Not wasting time, the BCCI rolled out a new Invitation to Tender (ITT) on September 2, inviting fresh bids for the coveted lead sponsorship rights.

• Deadline to buy ITT: September 12
• Deadline to submit bids: September 16

New Sponsor's Conditions

The BCCI has outlined precise guidelines for potential sponsors. Businesses that are associated with alcohol, gambling, betting, cryptocurrency, online gaming, tobacco, or any other industry deemed to be against public decency (such as adult content) will not be permitted to take part. The cricket board seeks sponsors that uphold the law and represent Indian ideals.

India’s Asia Cup Journey

The Men in Blue are scheduled to leave for the UAE on September 4. Placed in Group A with Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE, their schedule is as follows:

• September 10: India vs UAE (Dubai)
• September 14: India vs Pakistan (Dubai)
• September 19: India vs Oman (Abu Dhabi)

The BCCI has experienced mid-contract sponsorship changes before. When OPPO departed early in 2019, Byju took over, and Dream11 followed. India may, however, be participating in a major regional event for the first time without wearing jerseys with a sponsor branding.

Despite the uncertainty created by the sponsorship problem, fans should anticipate that the players will remain committed to their main objective, which is to win the Asia Cup title. And maybe without a sponsor, "India" will stand out even more on their uniforms.