India’s Jersey Sponsor To Be Finalised In 2–3 Weeks, Says Rajiv Shukla

Team India are playing the Asia Cup in a rare, sponsor-less jersey after the Dream11 deal ended under India’s new Online Gaming law. BCCI vice president Rajiv Shukla says the vacancy won’t last long: the new lead sponsor will be picked “in 15–20 days,” with bids closing on September 16. Until then, the front of the shirt stays clean, with only “INDIA” across the chest—an old-school look fans have quickly embraced.

Why there’s no sponsor right now

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill banned real-money gaming advertising, prompting Dream11 to exit a deal reportedly worth about Rs 358 crore per year. The board responded by inviting fresh bids for a three-year cycle and barring categories like betting, real-money gaming, crypto, and alcohol. The new tender also reflects updated base pricing between bilateral and multilateral matches, acknowledging that ICC/ACC events limit front-of-shirt branding.

What happens next

With the tender window set, the process is straightforward: expressions of interest, final bids by September 16, and a decision inside 2–3 weeks. Shukla has not named a frontrunner and maintains there are “a lot of bidders.” Practically, that means the Asia Cup will finish with the current jersey; a new logo should appear before India’s busy ODI run that begins in Australia.

Ticket taxes and the fan equation

Shukla also addressed higher GST on IPL tickets—now in the 40% slab alongside casinos and race clubs—which nudges a Rs 500 seat to Rs 700 and a Rs 2,000 seat to Rs 2,800. The board expects some impact but hopes demand remains resilient. He stressed the BCCI’s tax compliance, saying the board pays income tax and GST “like a corporate,” with no exemptions and no government grants—countering periodic criticism around cricket’s commercial ecosystem.

Women’s cricket: investment and the next challenge

On the women’s game, the message is steady investment—equal match fees, expanded tournaments, and upgraded facilities—paired with a push for fuller stadiums. The WPL has provided a strong foundation; now the focus is converting curiosity into regular attendance. In a market where broadcast numbers lead, packed stands still matter for perception and momentum.

What it means for the jersey—and brand India

A sponsor-less kit is an anomaly for India outside ICC tournaments, but it’s temporary. The clean chest has reminded fans that the word “INDIA” can be a brand in itself; the coming sponsor will aim to complement that, not overshadow it. With a three-year window likely covering 100+ matches, including global events, front-of-shirt remains one of sport’s most valuable real estates. Expect a blue-chip name—and a quick reveal once the paperwork clears.