Dream11 Ends Title Sponsorship with BCCI; Adani Group, Reliance, and Toyota in the Race
SNPNEWS.IN Update: Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has faced a significant setback ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. Dream11 has informed the BCCI that it will no longer sponsor the Indian cricket team. This decision comes in the wake of the passage of the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill 2025 in the Indian Parliament, which imposes a ban on real-money gaming in India. This legislation is likely to severely impact Dream11’s business, along with other major online gaming companies like MPL and Nazara.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia stated, “Following the passage of the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill 2025, the BCCI and Dream11 are parting ways. The BCCI will ensure that it does not associate with any such organization in the future.”
According to media reports, Dream11 representatives recently visited the BCCI office and formally informed CEO Hemang Amin that the company can no longer continue as the main sponsor on Team India’s jersey.
This decision means that the Indian team will take the field in the upcoming Asia Cup without the Dream11 logo. The BCCI is likely to issue a tender for a new sponsor soon.
BCCI’s Title Sponsors and Controversies
● Sahara India (2001-2012): Sahara Group acquired the title sponsorship rights for the Indian cricket team in 2001 and continued until 2012. In 2012, Sahara announced its withdrawal as the team’s sponsor. Between 2008 and 2011, Sahara faced legal action from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) for issuing Optionally Fully Convertible Debentures (OFCDs) without approval.
In a 2012 order, the Supreme Court directed Sahara to refund over ₹25,000 crore to more than 2 crore investors, including 15% interest to be deposited with SEBI. After defaulting on repayments, Sahara faced multiple legal proceedings, including contempt petitions and court orders to develop properties to raise funds for investors.
This led to the launch of the CRCS-Sahara Refund Portal by the Ministry of Cooperation to process refunds for genuine depositors. SEBI also took action against the group for irregularities, and its founder, Subrata Roy, was arrested in 2014.
● Star India (2014-2017): Financial strain and an anti-trust investigation by the Competition Commission of India impacted the broadcasting giant, leading to the loss of BCCI’s title sponsorship.
● OPPO (2017-2020): The Chinese smartphone manufacturer signed a ₹1,079 crore deal, which ended abruptly due to India-China geopolitical tensions and poor returns, forcing OPPO to terminate its association with the BCCI.
BYJU’S (2020-2022): Continuous losses, payment defaults, and insolvency petitions led to BYJU’S downfall. The BCCI had to take the matter to the National Company Law Tribunal over a default of ₹158 crore.
Dream11 (2023-2025): Just days before the Asia Cup 2025, the fantasy sports platform Dream11 decided to step back as the main sponsor of the Indian cricket team following the enactment of the Online Gaming Promotion and Regulation Bill 2025, which bans real-money gaming platforms like Dream11. The BCCI and Dream11 had signed a ₹358 crore deal for 2023–2026.
According to sources, the Adani Group, Reliance, and Toyota have shown interest in becoming the BCCI’s title sponsor. It remains to be seen whether the BCCI will secure a new sponsor before the Asia T20 Cup begins in Dubai or if Team India will compete in the Asia Cup without an official sponsor.