India’s Cricket and Hockey Teams
In a surprising turn of events, India’s cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will take the field in the Asia Cup 2025 without a lead sponsor on their jerseys. This development comes after the Indian government’s recent legislation, the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which bans real-money gaming platforms, effectively ending the ₹3.6 billion sponsorship deal with Dream11. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is now scrambling to find a new sponsor ahead of the tournament, which kicks off on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates. With key matches, including a high-stakes clash against Pakistan on September 14, the absence of a sponsor logo will make the word “India” stand out prominently on the team’s jerseys.
Meanwhile, the Indian men’s hockey team is riding high after a commanding 15–0 victory over Kazakhstan in the group stage of the Asia Cup Hockey 2025, held at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Bihar. This dominant performance has set the stage for an exciting Super 4s clash against defending champions South Korea, as the team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, aims to secure a spot in the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup.
Cricket Team Faces Asia Cup Without Sponsor
The Indian cricket team’s preparations for the Asia Cup 2025 have been overshadowed by the sudden exit of their title sponsor, Dream11. The fantasy sports giant, which signed a ₹358 crore deal with the BCCI in 2023, informed the board that it could no longer continue the partnership due to the new online gaming regulations. The legislation, passed by both houses of Parliament and approved by President Droupadi Murmu, prohibits real-money gaming platforms like Dream11 from operating or advertising in India. A clause in the sponsorship contract protects Dream11 from penalties, as the law directly impacts its core business model.
With the Asia Cup just days away, the BCCI is racing against time to secure a new sponsor. The board has issued an Invitation of Expression of Interest (IEOI) for potential sponsors, with a deadline for bid submissions set for September 16. However, with the tournament starting on September 9, it’s highly likely that India will play their group-stage matches—against UAE on September 10, Pakistan on September 14, and Oman on September 19—without a sponsor’s logo on their jerseys. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia emphasized the board’s commitment to adhering to government regulations, stating, “If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything.”
This isn’t the first time the Indian cricket team has faced sponsorship challenges. Previous sponsors like OPPO and Byju’s also exited their deals prematurely due to financial or legal issues. To avoid similar situations in the future, the BCCI has outlined strict eligibility criteria for new sponsors, barring companies involved in alcohol, gambling, cryptocurrency, tobacco, or anything deemed offensive to public morals.
Despite the off-field challenges, the Suryakar Yadav-led squad, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain, remains focused on the Asia Cup. India is grouped with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman in Group A, and the team is determined to make a strong statement in the T20I-format tournament. The absence of a sponsor may be a visual change, but it’s unlikely to dampen the team’s spirit, especially with the much-anticipated India-Pakistan encounter on the horizon.
Hockey Team Gears Up for Super 4s with Momentum
On the hockey front, India’s men’s team has sent a strong message with their 15–0 thrashing of Kazakhstan in the Asia Cup Hockey 2025 group
System: group stage. Played at the Rajgir Sports Complex, the match showcased India’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity, boosting their confidence as they head into the Super 4s. The tournament, running from August 29 to September 7, is a crucial qualifier for the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian team displayed remarkable teamwork and skill in their rout of Kazakhstan. The victory follows a hard-fought 4–3 win over China in their opener, proving the team’s ability to adapt to different challenges. Now, they face a formidable test against South Korea, the defending champions and five-time Asia Cup winners, in the Super 4s. South Korea, with their storied history in the tournament, will be a tough opponent, but India is brimming with confidence after their recent performances.
The Asia Cup Hockey 2025 features eight teams, with India drawn in Pool A alongside China, while South Korea is in Pool B. The tournament saw late changes, with Pakistan and Oman withdrawing due to security and financial issues, replaced by Bangladesh and Kazakhstan. The winner of the men’s competition will earn direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup, adding extra motivation for India to claim their fourth Asia Cup title.
Looking Ahead
Both the Indian cricket and hockey teams are navigating unique challenges as they compete in their respective Asia Cup tournaments. For the cricket team, the absence of a sponsor is a temporary setback, but their focus remains on delivering strong performances on the field. The BCCI’s proactive steps to find a new sponsor reflect their determination to maintain the team’s global stature.
In hockey, India’s dominant group-stage performances have set the stage for an exciting Super 4s campaign. The clash against South Korea will test their mettle, but the team’s depth and momentum make them strong contenders for the title and a World Cup berth.
As both teams prepare for their upcoming matches, Indian sports fans have plenty to cheer for. Whether it’s the cricket team’s quest for T20 supremacy or the hockey team’s pursuit of continental glory, the spirit of Indian sports shines bright, with or without a sponsor’s logo.
