Toyota, Fintech Company In Race To Replace Dream11 As Team India Jersey Sponsor Ahead of Asia Cup

Toyota Motor Corporation and another company have shown interest in becoming the lead sponsor of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following the abrupt exit of Dream11 after the Centre passed 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 in the Parliament, NDTV reported, citing sources.

The Indian cricket board is in a frantic scramble to find a new title sponsor for Team India's jersey, facing a ticking clock ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The crisis was triggered by the sudden exit of Dream11, whose ₹358 crore deal was cut short by the Indian Parliament's new Online Gaming Bill, passed on August 21.

The legislation, which bans real-money gaming, left Dream11 with no choice but to mutually terminate its partnership, leaving the BCCI in the lurch just weeks before a major tournament. The timing has created a logistical nightmare, with already manufactured team jerseys bearing the Dream11 logo now rendered obsolete.

The sponsorship void has sparked a high-stakes competition, with automotive leader Toyota and a promising fintech startup reportedly leading the chase. The BCCI is leveraging the immense visibility of the Indian jersey, especially during the marquee India-Pakistan clash on September 14, to secure a contract that surpasses its previous agreement.

However, with India's opening match against the UAE on September 10 looming, the board is under immense pressure. Should a deal not be finalized, the cricketing powerhouse could face the rare and unusual prospect of taking the field without a title sponsor, a scenario that underscores the sudden and significant impact of the new gaming legislation on the sports industry.