The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited bids to fill the lead sponsorship slot left vacant by Dream11, as the fantasy sports giant exited in the wake of stricter regulations on online gaming.

According to IANS, the BCCI on Tuesday released an official Invitation for Expression of Interest (IEOI) for the Indian national team’s lead sponsor rights. Entities interested in the high-profile opportunity must submit their bids by September 16, 2025. The announcement comes amid a regulatory overhaul introduced by the recently enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which has forced Dream11 to withdraw from its three-year, Rs.358 crore contract before its term ended.

This sponsorship slot, regarded as one of the most valuable in Indian sports branding, is expected to fetch around Rs.452 crore for a three-year deal spanning 2025–28. The valuation includes Rs.3.5 crore per bilateral match and Rs.1.5 crore per match for ICC and ACC fixtures, projected across approximately 140 matches. This breakdown estimates returns of Rs.131 crore for 2025–26, Rs.162.5 crore for 2026–27, and Rs.158.5 crore for 2027–28.

In accordance with the new regulations, the BCCI has barred sponsors linked to crypto, online gambling, real-money gaming, and surrogate branding. Companies must possess a minimum annual turnover or net worth of Rs.300 crore over the last three years. This move highlights the board’s intent to protect the sport’s integrity amid changing legal landscapes

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized that the board will fully comply with the country’s regulations. He noted that Dream11’s exit was inevitable under the new law, and confirmed that no penalties were imposed due to protective clauses in their contract.

With marquee cricket events such as the Asia Cup and the Women’s ODI World Cup just around the corner, the board is working under pressure to secure a new sponsor promptly. The IEOI will help identify a long-term partner whose values align with the board’s vision, especially as high-stakes events like the 2027 World Cup are on the horizon.

This sponsorship space has seen prominent brands like Byju’s and Oppo in recent years. The search now continues for a new name to define the next chapter in Indian cricket’s global outreach.