Dream11 is the sponsor of Indian team (Source: AFP)
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has found itself in deep waters with a potential ban on cards for its lead sponsor, Dream11. Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have passed The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, and once it receives the President's signature, it will become law.
The bill includes a ban on operating online money games and also prohibits advertising of them. Thus, according to InsideSport, the Indian team won't be allowed to use the Dream11 logo on their kit for their upcoming matches. If the BCCI violates the law, the bill also has a provision for a penalty, leaving the stakeholders in a tricky situation.
Dream11's 358 Crore Deal With BCCI In Jeopardy
Dream11 currently sponsors both the Indian men's and women's teams. It took over as sponsor from BYJU in 2023 with a landmark deal of 358 crore with BCCI or one crore for away games and three crore for home matches. However, once it becomes a law, the deal could be in trouble and India men's team could go into Asia Cup 2025 without any sponsor. The Indian women's team is scheduled to play Australia at home from September 14 and they too might play without sponsor.
Also, My11Circle got the Indian Premier League associate sponsorship for five years. It is a deal worth 625 crore and BCCI is expected to take the final decision soon. According to InsideSport, a BCCI official has confirmed that they are aware of the situation and are in discussion with the legal team.
“We are aware of the situation and are in touch with the concerned authorities and partners. At the moment, it’s not a law. But as per the bill, it doesn’t look like the men’s and women’s teams will be able to carry the logo. We are in discussion with the legal team,” a BCCI official told InsideSport.
Thus, once the bill becomes the law it would be a big blow to the exciting financial ecosystem of gaming platforms, and its BCCI would also face its implications.
