In a surprising development just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025, Dream11 has officially stepped down as the title sponsor of Indian cricket. The fantasy gaming giant, which had partnered with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in a multi-crore deal, decided to terminate the contract midway, citing internal restructuring and strategic changes.
This exit has left the BCCI in a tight spot, with the prestigious Asia Cup around the corner and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to follow next year. Sources within the board confirmed that discussions are already underway with a few potential sponsors to fill the void at the earliest.
“The timing is definitely not ideal, but Indian cricket remains the biggest sporting brand in the country. We are confident of securing a new title sponsor very soon,” a senior BCCI official remarked.
For Dream11, this marks the end of a significant chapter in its cricket sponsorship journey. The company had leveraged its association with Indian cricket to dominate the fantasy sports market, but shifting priorities appear to have influenced its sudden withdrawal.
The spotlight now turns to who steps in next. Several top brands in fintech, telecom, and consumer goods are said to be eyeing the coveted deal, which guarantees massive visibility during the Asia Cup and beyond.
With less than a month to go before Rohit Sharma’s team takes the field against Pakistan, BCCI will be eager to wrap up negotiations quickly. After all, in Indian cricket, the game is as much about the action on the pitch as it is about the high-stakes business off it.
