In a significant development for Indian cricket, Dream11, the fantasy sports giant, has terminated its title sponsorship agreement with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. This decision, reported on August 25, 2025, stems from the Indian government's passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which prompted Dream11 to shut down its real-money gaming operations. The move has left the Indian cricket team without a title sponsor for the upcoming tournament, creating a potential branding void for one of cricket’s most high-profile teams.

The three-year contract, originally valid until 2026, included a clause allowing Dream11 to exit without penalty if its core business was impacted by government legislation. This clause was invoked following the new bill, which has disrupted the fantasy sports industry in India. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the termination, stating that the board will avoid partnerships with similar organizations in the future to align with regulatory changes.

The absence of a title sponsor poses challenges for the BCCI, as the Asia Cup is a marquee event with significant viewership across Asia. The Indian team may compete without a shirt logo, a rare occurrence that could impact the BCCI’s commercial prospects. The board is now expected to invite fresh bids to secure a new sponsor before the tournament begins, though time constraints may complicate this process.

This development highlights the broader impact of India’s evolving regulatory landscape on sports sponsorships. Dream11’s exit underscores the challenges faced by fantasy gaming platforms under stricter regulations, potentially reshaping how cricket sponsorships are structured. As the BCCI navigates this setback, fans and stakeholders await updates on how the board will address this gap for the Asia Cup and beyond.