The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is facing a period of transition both in its leadership and its sponsorship arrangements. Rajeev Shukla has stepped in as acting President, replacing Roger Binny, while the BCCI has begun its search for a new sponsor after Dream11's exit.
Leadership Change at the BCCI
Roger Binny, who took over as BCCI President in 2022, has stepped down from his role. The former India cricketer and 1983 World Cup winner reached the age of 70 on July 19, triggering a clause in the BCCI constitution that prevents anyone from holding a position in the board after that age. Rajeev Shukla, the BCCI Vice-President, has taken over as acting President until fresh elections are held during the board's Annual General Meeting (AGM) in September. Shukla has been the BCCI vice-president since 2020 and has previously served as the chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Search for a New Sponsor
In addition to the leadership change, the BCCI is also in the market for a new sponsor. Dream11, a fantasy sports platform, will no longer be the title sponsor of the Indian cricket team. The decision comes after the Indian Parliament passed the 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025,' which bans real-money gaming operations across the country. Dream11 had signed a ₹358 crore deal with the BCCI in 2023, which included ₹3 crore for each home game and ₹1 crore for each away match. However, the company decided to terminate the agreement due to the new regulations.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the deal with Dream11 has ended and that the BCCI is putting the process in motion to find a new title sponsor for various national teams. He clarified that the BCCI cannot continue its sponsorship relationship with Dream11 or any such other gaming company under the new restrictions.
The BCCI is now looking for a deal that exceeds the value of its previous agreement with Dream11. While the BCCI has yet to begin the official tender process, reports suggest that the board is looking for a deal for the next two-and-a-half years, until the 2027 ODI World Cup in October-November.
Challenges and Potential Replacements
The sudden exit of Dream11 has caused logistical challenges for the BCCI. Jerseys with the brand's logo were already prepared for the Asia Cup, but these will not be used during the tournament. The BCCI is facing a tight timeline to secure a suitable replacement, with the Asia Cup scheduled to begin on September 9.
Despite the challenges, several companies have expressed interest in becoming the new lead sponsor. Toyota Motor Corporation and a fintech startup have shown initial interest in taking on the role.
The BCCI's search for a new sponsor also raises questions about the future of other sponsorships in the fantasy gaming category. My11Circle has a ₹625 crore deal with the IPL, but the new regulations could impact this partnership as well.
The BCCI is navigating a period of change with a new acting President at the helm and the search for a new sponsor underway. The outcome of these developments will shape the landscape of Indian cricket in the years to come.
