In a development that has sent ripples across the cricketing fraternity, Team India’s official jersey for the Asia Cup 2025 has been unveiled without a sponsor logo — a first in decades. The dramatic shift comes in the wake of fantasy sports giant Dream11’s abrupt exit following the government’s introduction of the Online Gaming Act 2025, which banned money-based fantasy gaming platforms.
For years, Indian jerseys have carried the branding of big-ticket sponsors — from Sahara to Star, Oppo, Byju’s, and most recently, Dream11. But as the Men in Blue prepare for their campaign in the UAE, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, they will be donning plain blue kits, free of any corporate markings.
Dream11 Exit Sparks Shockwaves
The sudden withdrawal of Dream11 has left the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in an unusual fix just days before the tournament. Sponsorship deals are often long-term and high-value, yet the new gaming regulations have forced an unexpected vacuum.
While the BCCI is believed to be in talks with potential replacements, officials have confirmed that no agreement will be finalized before the Asia Cup. That means India will enter the tournament sans sponsor for the first time in nearly 30 years — a detail that has already made headlines globally.
Shivam Dube Leaks the Kit, Fans React
The buzz began earlier this week when images of Shivam Dube training in the new kit surfaced online. The jersey — a deep shade of blue with bold trims but no sponsor logo — immediately drew attention. Fans expressed mixed reactions: some celebrated the ‘clean look’ reminiscent of the 90s, while others questioned the financial setback the board might face.
Later, the BCCI’s own social media handles made it official, sharing a promotional video where players showcased the kit, hyping up the campaign with visible enthusiasm.
Squad and Group A Battles Ahead
India named their 15-player squad for the Asia Cup last month, sticking with Suryakumar Yadav as captain and handing the vice-captaincy to Shubman Gill, who returns to the T20I setup after over a year. Gill is also expected to open the innings, competing with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson for the top spot.
The middle order boasts firepower in Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, and Jitesh Sharma, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya will lead the pace attack alongside seasoned bowlers.
India find themselves in Group A with Pakistan, hosts UAE, and Oman. Their opening match is scheduled for September 10 in Dubai against UAE, followed by the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on September 14.
Bigger Than Just a Jersey
While jerseys and sponsor deals are often seen as mere off-field matters, this sudden shift represents more than a cosmetic change. It underlines the far-reaching consequences of India’s gaming regulations, highlights the financial and branding stakes involved in modern cricket, and simultaneously rekindles nostalgia among fans who remember an era when cricket jerseys were sponsor-free.
With the Asia Cup less than a week away, India’s new ‘clean’ kit has already become one of the tournament’s most talked-about stories — a reminder that in cricket, the battles off the field can be just as fascinating as those within the boundary ropes.
