The BCCI is once again on the lookout for a lead sponsor after fantasy sports platform Dream11 pulled out of its contract.
The development comes less than two years into a three-year deal - forcing the board to act quickly with major tournaments, including the Asia Cup 2025, right around the corner.
Sponsorship for the Indian team is one of the most valuable assets in cricket and the BCCI is looking for a bigger deal this time after the sudden exit of its previous partner.
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BCCI sets INR 450 crore target for new sponsorship deal
According to a report in NDTV, the BCCI is targeting a sponsorship package worth around INR 450 crore for a three-year period starting from 2025.
This would cover roughly 140 matches - including home and away bilateral series as well as tournaments conducted by the ICC and Asian Cricket Council.
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The board has reportedly set a benchmark of INR 3.5 crore per bilateral fixture while ICC and ACC tournament matches are valued at INR 1.5 crore each. This figure surpasses the INR 358 crore Dream11 had committed for its three-year contract signed in July 2023.
Dream11 exits after new gaming law
Dream11's early withdrawal followed the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 - which makes real money-based fantasy gaming illegal in India. The company soon suspended its paid contests but continues to run free-to-play games.
The bill linked unregulated online money gaming to financial fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and even risks to national security. Following its enforcement, Dream11 had little choice but to step away from its cricket sponsorship commitments.
With the Asia Cup 2025 beginning on September 9, time is short for the BCCI to finalise a new partner. While it remains unclear who will step in, the board's strong brand value and the Indian team's global reach make it likely that top corporates will be interested.