Toyota to replace Dream11 on Team India’s jersey? Asia Cup deadline, BCCI talks, and what’s next

Updated On: September 27, 2025

Toyota to replace Dream11 on Team India’s jersey? Asia Cup deadline, BCCI talks, and what’s next

There’s a major change brewing in Indian cricket sponsorships. Dream11, the fantasy sports brand seen on Team India’s jersey, has stepped away after recent policy changes affecting real-money gaming. In its place, Toyota Motors has emerged as a strong contender, with talks underway to step in as the new title sponsor. With the Asia Cup around the corner, the timing is tight, and everyone is watching to see if a deal gets finalized before the first ball is bowled.

Why Dream11 exited

The new Online Gaming Bill 2025 prohibits real-money gaming, which directly impacts fantasy platforms like Dream11. When a core business model becomes restricted, retaining a high-value sponsorship becomes unsustainable.
Dream11 had a substantial agreement in place, but regulatory shifts often trigger exit clauses to protect both the board and the sponsor.
With the Asia Cup imminent, continuing with branding that conflicts with the updated law isn’t feasible, prompting an immediate pause on jersey usage already printed with that logo.

Why Toyota is in the frame

Toyota has a global track record in cricket sponsorships, including partnerships across top cricket boards and tournaments, making it a credible and experienced candidate.
Automotive brands favor high-visibility, pan-India sports associations; Team India’s broadcast reach, match frequency, and emotional connect make it an ideal platform.
The brand fit is strong: reliability, longevity, and mainstream appeal align with the national team’s image, aiding brand recall on and off the field.

What BCCI is aiming for

BCCI is reportedly seeking a higher-value deal than the outgoing arrangement, given the audience growth and premium tournament calendar.
A quick-turn tender or direct-negotiation route is likely given the compressed window before the Asia Cup; the final structure may include per-match rates and multi-year options.
If a deal isn’t closed in time, Team India may wear jerseys without a title sponsor during Asia Cup fixtures, which would be rare but compliant and practical in the circumstances.

The Asia Cup timeline crunch

Jerseys with the previous sponsor were reportedly printed, but cannot be used; that creates a last-mile logistics challenge.
A new sponsor means swift reprinting, approvals, and kit distribution across formats; lead times are short, so interim non-branded jerseys are a contingency.
For fans, broadcast visuals may look different if there’s no chest sponsor in early matches; the team crest, apparel brand, and national insignia remain as-is.

Observers often cite a pattern of turbulence around past sponsors due to market cycles, regulatory changes, or geopolitical factors.
In reality, these reflect broader economic and policy shifts, not the jersey itself; premium sports sponsorships are still among the most coveted brand assets.
A financially robust, policy-neutral category like automotive can offer greater stability through cycles.

What this means for fans and brands

Fans: Expect either a new logo soon or a clean jersey for a short period; neither affects selection, performance, or match operations.
Brands: This is a showcase opportunity with unmatched reach; integrations beyond the jersey—digital, grassroots, content licensing—can amplify ROI.
Federation: A quick but diligent process ensures compliance, value maximization, and brand safety.

Possible deal contours (simple view)

Tenure: Short “bridge” deal through marquee tournaments, or a multi-year agreement for continuity.
Valuation: Potentially above the outgoing deal, driven by audience growth and advertiser demand.
Rights: Jersey front, training kit presence, content and image rights, hospitality, and digital inventory across platforms.

“Cricket is India’s biggest media stage. A stable, policy-agnostic sponsor with global experience can bring long-term value to both the sport and its fans.”

FAQs

Will Toyota definitely be the sponsor?
No official confirmation has been made yet. Toyota is reportedly in talks and viewed as a frontrunner, but BCCI has to finalize terms and issue confirmation.
Can Team India play without a sponsor?
Yes. If no agreement is signed in time, the team can wear jerseys without a title sponsor for a limited period, especially to comply with new regulations.
Why did Dream11 exit so suddenly?
A new law restricting real-money gaming made continuing the high-profile sponsorship impractical and non-compliant, triggering an early exit.
When is the Asia Cup and does this affect the team?
The Asia Cup is imminent. Sponsorship changes do not impact squad selection, match readiness, or on-field strategy.
Could another brand beat Toyota?
Yes. Other large companies, including fintech and diversified conglomerates, may also be in the fray depending on valuation, category fit, and timing.
Will the new sponsor pay more than before?
BCCI is reportedly targeting better commercial terms than the outgoing deal, reflecting the growing value of Indian cricket media rights and reach.

Conclusion

Indian cricket is poised for a sponsor shift just as a major tournament approaches. Dream11’s exit was driven by policy changes, and Toyota Motors fits the profile of a stable, high-visibility replacement with deep global sports experience. If negotiations close in time, a fresh logo could debut at the Asia Cup; if not, expect a clean jersey until the right deal is finalized. Either way, the cricket stays the same—high-intensity, widely watched, and an enduring platform for brands that think long-term.