BCCI Opens Bidding for New Lead Sponsor Following Dream11 Exit; Deadline September 16

BCCI Invites Bids for Lead Sponsor After Dream11 Exit; Deadline September 16.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially opened applications for the lead sponsorship of the national cricket teams, inviting bids from “reputed firms” for the rights. The Expression of Interest (EOI) document is available from 2 September, with the submission deadline set for 16 September.

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

The senior women’s national team will also kick off their Women’s ODI World Cup campaign at home on 30 September. It remains uncertain whether the BCCI will secure a lead sponsor before the tournament begins.

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

Dream11’s association with the BCCI ended abruptly 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 remaining.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that the board will 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 company. Under the new restrictions, there is no scope, and we are facing a roadblock with Dream11,” Saikia said.

BCCI Lead Sponsor Invitation: Eligibility Criteria

Financial Eligibility

• Bidders must meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Average turnover of ₹300 crore over the last three audited years, or
• Average net worth of ₹300 crore over the last three audited years.

Fit and Proper Person Criteria
Bidders must:

Have no criminal convictions involving fraud, economic crimes, or moral turpitude.

Have no conflict of interest under BCCI rules.

Have no conviction for offences punishable with two or more years of imprisonment.

Not be classified as a wilful defaulter by the Reserve Bank of India.

Demonstrate integrity and a sound reputation.

Ineligible Bidders
Companies engaged in:

• Online money gaming, betting, or gambling (domestic or international).
• Cryptocurrency-related businesses (trading, exchanges, tokens).
• Activities prohibited under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
• Ownership or investment in betting/gambling entities.
• Prohibited Brand Categories
• Alcohol products
• Betting or gambling services
• Cryptocurrency
• Online money gaming

Tobacco

Pornography or content offensive to public morals

Note: Surrogate branding (bidding through alternate names, brands, or entities) is strictly prohibited. Certain blocked brand categories, such as athleisure, banks/financial services, non-alcoholic beverages, fans, mixer grinders, safety locks, and insurance, are subject to restrictions if there is an existing sponsor in that category.

Invitation issued: 2 September 2025

Deadline for submissions: 16 September 2025