BCCI on the Hunt for New Team Jersey Sponsor

Quick Summary:

• BCCI issued an expression of interest (EoI) for lead sponsor rights after Dream11 exited its ₹358-crore jersey sponsorship deal.
• Dream11 withdrew due to the government’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which banned money-based online gaming and related advertisements.
• The EoI was issued on September 2, with bid submissions closing on September 16. A non-refundable request fee is ₹5 lakh plus GST or $5,675 for overseas bidders.
• Eligibility criteria include a minimum turnover or net worth of ₹300 crore over three years and compliance with “fit and proper” rules by BCCI.
• Firms linked to gambling, betting, cryptocurrency or money gaming are barred from bidding; categories like banking and sportswear are excluded due to existing partnerships.
• BCCI had earlier directly approached potential sponsors but pursued an EoI process after talks didn’t move forward-aiming for revenue projections of ₹452 crore across 140 matches from 2025-28.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
Dream11’s exit underscores the broader impact of stricter regulations in India’s growing digital industries like gaming. While the government’s approach seeks responsible practices aligned with public welfare goals, it disrupts revenue streams tied to these sectors-including high-value cricket sponsorship deals such as this one involving BCCI.

For cricket’s governing body in India during a soft advertising market phase, finding a suitable sponsor quickly becomes crucial given upcoming international events like the Asia Cup starting September 9. The restricted pool owing to eligibility rules may narrow opportunities but ensures alignment with ethical standards-a notable balancing act reflecting evolving priorities both for business entities and regulatory frameworks.

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