BCCI Bars Alcohol, Betting, Crypto and Gaming Brands from Indian Team Sponsorship Bid. BCCI has put out the Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) regarding the National Team Lead Sponsor Rights, allowing companies to submit bids for this opportunity after Dream11’s exit. In the wake of the recently enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, Dream11 had to end its association with Team India.
Sponsorship Restrictions
The BCCI has defined strict parameters for interested bidders. Companies that are engaged in the business of alcohol products, betting or gambling services, cryptocurrency, tobacco, or online money gaming are immediately disqualified. The board declared that brands attempting to circumvent the restrictions through surrogate branding will also face disqualification.
To further maintain transparency and ethical standards, any brands in sportswear, banking, beverages, appliances, and insurance that are not competing with ambassadors are disqualified in the categories. Where BCCI currently has a partnership, unless they are current rights holders in that category.
Eligibility and Timelines
Prospective companies must prove an average turnover or net worth of ₹300 crore in the last three audited years. They should be of the “fit and proper” criteria set by the board. The IEOI came out on September 2, with the document to be reviewed until September 12. Completed entries must be filed by September 16, 2025.
Also Read: ICC Announced Record Prize Money of ₹122.55 Crore for Women’s World Cup 2025
With the Asia Cup 2025 set to start on September 9, India may be without a sponsor on their jerseys. However, the BCCI’s action shows they are progressing in a way to have a compliant and respectable partner, making sure Indian cricket continues to hold global stature but aligns with changing legal and ethical considerations.
