After Dream11 exit, BCCI invites bids for lead sponsor; deadline September 16

The Indian cricket board (BCCI) has opened applications for lead sponsorship of the national team, inviting bids from “reputed firms” for the rights. The Expression of Interest document will be available to interested parties from 2 September, with the deadline for submission of bids set for 16 September.

India Today had reported last month that the Indian men’s cricket team might play the Asia Cup, beginning on 9 September, without a lead sponsor following the exit of Dream11. The BCCI’s latest advertisement confirms the development, with the cut-off for bids scheduled for mid-September.

The senior national women's team will also begin their Women's ODI World Cup campaign at home on 30 September, and it remains to be seen whether the BCCI will be able to secure a lead sponsor before then.

The board is aiming for a long-term partnership with a lead sponsor, with the men's 2027 World Cup already in sight. At its emergency Apex Council meeting chaired by interim president Rajeev Shukla on 28 August, the BCCI decided it would not rush the process merely to have a lead sponsor in place for the Asia Cup.

Dream11's association with the BCCI as lead sponsor came to an abrupt end after the government banned real-money gaming platforms under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. Dream11 had signed a contract worth USD 44 million (?358 crore) for the 2023-2026 cycle as Team India's title sponsor, but the deal was terminated with a year still remaining.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had made it clear after the ban that the board would no longer associate with real-money gaming platforms.

"Our stand is very clear. With government regulations in place, the BCCI cannot continue its sponsorship relationship with Dream11 or any such other gaming company. Under the new restrictions, there is no scope and we are facing a roadblock with Dream11," Saikia had said.

BCCI LEAD SPONSOR INVITATION: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Financial Eligibility

Bidders must meet either of the following:

• Average turnover of Rs 300 crore over the last three audited years, or
• Average net worth of Rs 300 crore over the last three audited years.

Fit and Proper Person Criteria

• Must not have criminal convictions for offences involving fraud, economic crimes, or moral turpitude.
• No conflict of interest under BCCI rules.
• No conviction for offences punishable with 2+ years of imprisonment.
• Must not be categorised as a wilful defaulter by the Reserve Bank of india.
• Must demonstrate integrity and sound reputation.

Ineligible Bidders

• Companies engaged in:
• Online money gaming, betting, or gambling (in India or abroad).
• Cryptocurrency-related businesses (trading, exchanges, tokens).
• Any activity prohibited under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
• Companies with investments or ownership in betting/gambling entities.

Bidders engaged in blocked brand categories (unless the existing sponsor in that category):

• Athleisure and sportswear manufacturers
• Banks, NBFCs, and other financial services
• Non-alcoholic cold beverages
• Fans, mixer grinders, and safety locks
• Insurance

Bidders engaged in prohibited brand categories:

• Alcohol products
• Betting or gambling services
• Cryptocurrency
• Online money gaming
• Tobacco
• Pornography or content offensive to public morals
• Surrogate branding (indirect bidding through alternate names, brands, or entities) is strictly prohibited.

Key Dates

• Invitation issued: September 2, 2025
• Deadline for submissions: September 16, 2025