After Dream11 Exit, BCCI Opens Bidding for Lead Sponsor Rights, Bars Online Gaming & Betting Firms

In order to acquire the main sponsorship rights for its national teams, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued an open invitation to bidders. This comes after the Indian Parliament recently passed a law banning real money gambling, which included a ban on Dream11. The winning bidder will get the opportunity to serve as the primary sponsor of the India Men's and Women's teams for the duration, which the BCCI has not yet determined. 

The deadline for bids is September 16, and interested firms were given access to the Expression of Interest document on Tuesday, September 2. After Dream11's elimination, it is increasingly possible that Suryakumar Yadav's India would compete in the Asia Cup without a major sponsor if the proceedings don't advance quickly.

BCCI's New Decision After Online Gaming & Betting Firms Exit:

For bidders who are willing to receive an Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI), the BCCI has established stringent criteria and checkpoints. Bids will not be accepted from brands associated with the same sector as the present sponsors. Additionally, it is not permitted for any online gaming provider, betting brand, cryptocurrency company, alcohol company, tobacco company, or pornographic company to submit a bid.

NEWS 🚨 - BCCI announces the release of the Invitation for Expression of Interest for National Team Lead Sponsor Rights

More details here 👇https://t.co/Qx6YZvYWrwpic.twitter.com/0e0vCoIdBT

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 2, 2025

Following Dream11's withdrawal from its three-year deal, the online money gaming platform's affiliation with the Indian cricket board came to an end. This came after the government's recently enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gambling Act outlawed real-money gambling websites. In accordance with the BCCI's press release, the National Team Lead Sponsor Rights Expression of Interest shall become accessible upon payment of a non-refundable cost of INR 5,00,000 plus any relevant Goods and Services Tax.

Online gaming sites and cryptocurrency have been prohibited by the BCCI from submitting applications for the main sponsorship rights. The board has also said unequivocally that only businesses with an annual revenue of more than INR 300 crore are eligible to apply. Companies that deal in cryptocurrencies, alcohol, and tobacco have also been excluded from the bidding process by the BCCI.

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