Revealed! Why Team India Are Playing Asia Cup 2025 Without A Jersey Sponsor

In a surprising visual shift for cricket fans, Team India stepped onto the field for the Asia Cup 2025 without a jersey sponsor—a rare occurrence in modern international cricket. The iconic blue kit, unveiled days before the tournament, features the word “INDIA” emblazoned across the chest alongside the Asia Cup logo, but the central space traditionally reserved for a sponsor remains conspicuously blank. The absence of branding has sparked widespread curiosity, prompting questions about why the world’s most commercially successful cricket team is playing sponsor-less in one of the biggest continental tournaments.

The answer lies in a complex mix of regulatory changes, contract termination, and timing challenges that have left the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) scrambling to secure a new lead sponsor.

Dream11’s Abrupt Exit: The Trigger Behind the Blank Jersey

The primary reason for the sponsor-less jersey is the sudden withdrawal of Dream11, India’s leading fantasy sports platform, from its multi-crore sponsorship deal with the BCCI. Dream11 had signed a three-year contract in 2023 worth ₹358 crore annually, replacing edtech firm Byju’s as the team’s lead sponsor. The deal was expected to run through 2026, but was terminated prematurely in August 2025 following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill by the Indian Parliament.

The new legislation places stringent restrictions on real-money gaming platforms, effectively banning their promotional activities. As Dream11’s core business model was directly impacted, the company opted to exit its partnership with the BCCI, leaving the team without a sponsor just weeks before the Asia Cup.

Regulatory Roadblock: The Online Gaming Bill

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, passed in July 2025, aims to curb addictive gaming practices and protect consumers from financial exploitation. It prohibits advertising and sponsorship by platforms offering real-money gaming, betting, or gambling services. This has had a ripple effect across sports sponsorships, especially in cricket, where fantasy gaming companies had become dominant players.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that under the new law, continuing the partnership with Dream11 or similar companies was “very difficult.” The board has since issued a fresh tender for lead sponsorship rights, explicitly barring companies involved in betting, crypto, alcohol, or real-money gaming from bidding.

Timing Trouble: Why No Replacement Sponsor Yet?

While the BCCI has already floated a tender for new sponsorship bids, the deadline for submissions is September 16—after the Asia Cup begins. This means Team India will play the entire tournament without a sponsor on their jersey, regardless of the outcome of the bidding process.

The board’s decision to wait until after the tournament to finalize a new sponsor is strategic. It allows potential bidders to assess Team India’s performance and visibility during the Asia Cup, which could influence the valuation of the deal.

Fan Reactions and Brand Visibility

The sponsor-less jersey has drawn mixed reactions from fans and branding experts. While some appreciate the clean aesthetic and nostalgic feel of an unbranded kit, others view it as a missed opportunity for commercial engagement. Social media platforms have been flooded with memes, tributes, and speculation about which brand will take over next.

Interestingly, the absence of a sponsor has not affected the team’s training or merchandise sales. The official training kits also remain blank, and replicas of the sponsor-less jersey have seen a spike in demand, especially among collectors and purists.

Asia Cup 2025: India’s Campaign Begins

Team India kicked off their Asia Cup 2025 campaign at the Dubai International Stadium against the United Arab Emirates, followed by a high-voltage clash with Pakistan on September 14. Despite the off-field sponsorship drama, the team remains focused on reclaiming the continental title.

The Asia Cup itself has faced its share of controversies, including venue uncertainty and diplomatic tensions under Operation Sindoor. However, the tournament has proceeded as scheduled, with all participating teams displaying their respective sponsors—except India.

What’s Next for BCCI?

With the Asia Cup underway and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on the horizon, the BCCI is under pressure to finalize a new sponsor quickly. The board’s revised tender guidelines reflect a shift toward more socially responsible branding, excluding categories that have drawn regulatory scrutiny.

Industry insiders suggest that legacy brands in telecom, FMCG, and banking may step in to fill the void. The final decision will likely hinge on brand alignment, financial viability, and long-term strategic fit.

Conclusion

Team India’s sponsor-less appearance at the Asia Cup 2025 is more than a branding anomaly—it’s a reflection of shifting regulatory landscapes, evolving sponsorship ethics, and the growing scrutiny of commercial partnerships in sports. While the absence of a logo may seem like a temporary setback, it also opens the door for more responsible and inclusive brand collaborations in the future.

As the BCCI prepares to announce a new sponsor post-tournament, fans and stakeholders alike will be watching closely—not just for the name on the jersey, but for what it represents in the changing world of sports marketing.

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports and official statements. All sponsorship details and regulatory interpretations are subject to change based on ongoing developments. Readers are advised to consult official BCCI releases for verified updates.