India Likely To Play Without Jersey Sponsor After Dream11 Exit News24 –

There is a possibility that India might have to enter the Asia Cup without a lead jersey sponsor, after recent departure by Dream11 from its agreement with the BCCI. The fantasy sports platform ended its contract last month, compelling the cricket board to initiate the process of finding a new partner only a few days before the start of the tournament.

On 2 September, the BCCI formally invited expressions of interest (EOI) from interested sponsors. Companies that are interested will have until 12 September to buy the EOI document, with the final bids due on 16 September. The Asia Cup, however, starts on 9 September and ends on 28 September, making it unlikely that the new sponsor can be brought in before the tournament.

Dream11’s withdrawal came after a recent Indian government bill that regulated online gaming, which prohibited real-money gaming the essence of Dream11’s business. Referencing a clause in the contract for exit in case of such regulatory policies, the company notified the BCCI of withdrawing from the agreement. Dream11’s contract, valued at about USD 44 million (INR 358 crore) and it was supposed to be till 2026.

It is not the first time that the BCCI has had to encounter a sponsor withdrawing half-way through. Smartphone company OPPO had terminated its contract early in 2019, while ed-tech company BYJU’S took over briefly before Dream11 came aboard in 2023.

In its new invitation, the BCCI explained that companies associated with alcohol, tobacco, gambling, betting, cryptocurrency, or any service offending public morals (including pornography) are excluded from placing bids.

The Indian cricket team will leave for the UAE on September 4 and face the UAE and Pakistan in their group-stage matches on September 10 and September 14 in Dubai, and then against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. India is grouped in Group A, with Group B having Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Hong Kong.

The first two teams from each group will proceed to the Super Four phase. The first two teams from this round will contest the final on September 28.