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BCCI Invites Bids For Team India’s Title Sponsor, Bars Real-Money Gaming And Crypto Firms

The Cricket Standard Desk
September 2, 2025
3 min read
BCCI and Dream11 logo on blue background
📰News

BCCI Invites Bids For Team India’s Title Sponsorship, Bars Real-Money Gaming And Crypto Firms

The BCCI has opened the process to pick a new title (lead) sponsor for the Indian cricket team after Dream11’s exit. The invite is clear on who can apply, the timelines, and which brand categories are not allowed. In simple terms, serious, compliant companies can bid; real-money gaming, crypto, tobacco, alcohol, and similar categories are out.

What’s Happening And Why

  • Dream11 ended its deal after India’s new Online Gaming law led to a shutdown of money-based games.

  • BCCI has now invited fresh bids for Team India’s title sponsorship and set near-term deadlines so the board can lock a partner for the long run.

  • Until a new deal is signed, Team India could appear without a lead sponsor on the jersey.

Who Can Apply

  • Indian or international companies that meet financial and reputation criteria.

  • Financial eligibility (either one):

    • Average turnover of at least Rs 300 crore over the last three audited years, OR

    • Average net worth of at least Rs 300 crore over the last three audited years.

  • Clean record: No fraud/economic offences, no conflicts of interest per BCCI rules, not a wilful defaulter, and generally a sound reputation.

Who Cannot Apply (Prohibited Categories)

  • Real-money gaming, betting, or gambling services (in India or anywhere).

  • Cryptocurrency-related businesses (exchanges, tokens, trading, etc.).

  • Tobacco and alcohol brands.

  • Any business likely to offend public morals (e.g., pornography).

  • Any activity prohibited under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.

  • Companies with investments/ownership in betting/gambling entities.

Blocked Categories (Because BCCI Already Has Partners)

BCCI will not accept bids in certain active sponsor categories, such as:

  • Athleisure and sportswear

  • Banks/NBFCs/financial services

  • Non-alcoholic cold beverages

  • Fans, mixer grinders, safety locks

  • Insurance

Note: If a company operates in multiple categories and any one of them falls under “Prohibited” or “Blocked,” that bid will not be accepted for those categories.

No Surrogate Branding

  • Bidders cannot apply indirectly under a different brand/entity to bypass restrictions.

  • Any attempt to mask the true brand, logo, or business will be disqualified.

Key Dates And Process

  • The Expression of Interest document is available now.

  • Last date to purchase the IEOI: September 12.

  • Final bid submission deadline: September 16.

  • The board can cancel or amend the process at any time, without assigning reasons.

What It Means For Fans And Brands

  • Fans may see Team India without a lead sponsor at the Asia Cup if the process concludes after the tournament.

  • For brands, this is a high-visibility, high-trust asset—but only serious, compliant, and well-capitalised companies can participate.

  • The move also signals BCCI’s alignment with new national rules, ensuring sponsorships come from sectors that match regulatory and reputation standards.