The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has floated a tender for the Indian team’s jersey sponsorship, a move that comes after Dream11 stepped down as lead sponsor. The fantasy gaming platform had to withdraw following the government’s ban on real-money gaming companies under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
In its tender notice, the BCCI has laid out clear restrictions on who can bid. Gaming, betting, crypto, and tobacco companies are barred, while several other categories—athleisure and sportswear manufacturers, banking and financial firms, insurance, non-alcoholic beverages, fans, mixer grinders, and safety locks—are also ineligible due to potential conflicts with existing BCCI sponsors.
Importantly, the board has stressed that surrogate branding will not be allowed. As per Tuesday’s release:
“Bidders are prohibited from submitting bids through surrogate brands. Surrogate branding refers to any attempt to indirectly submit a bid on behalf of another entity through different names, brands, identities, or logos.”
To qualify, companies must have a net worth or average annual turnover of at least INR 300 crore. The formal Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) outlines all terms and conditions for submission and evaluation of bids.
The last date to purchase the IEOI is September 12, with the bidding process expected to be held on September 16. This timeline means the Indian team will likely go without a jersey sponsor during the upcoming Asia Cup (September 9–28).
