Bhubaneswar : In a surprising turn ahead of the Asia Cup in the UAE, Team India is staring at the possibility of taking the field without a jersey sponsor logo after the Indian government passed the ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill.’ The new law bans online fantasy sports and gambling platforms—including Dream11, which has been Team India’s lead jersey sponsor since July 2023. With Dream11 officially discontinuing all cash contests and games, and the bill criminalising the promotion and financing of such platforms (offenders face up to five years in prison), the cricket team’s jersey may go blank during this prestigious tournament. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia affirmed that the board will fully comply with government policy—”The BCCI will follow every policy of the country that is framed by the central government”—making it clear there will be no exceptions.
Government estimates revealed online fantasy sports platforms were extracting over $2.3 billion annually from more than 450 million users in India, heightening concerns about their social impact. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, commenting on the bill, said it underscores India’s commitment to becoming a hub for gaming innovation while shielding society from the perils of online money games. Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw echoed this sentiment, describing the measure as a balanced approach that encourages positive gaming (like e-sports) while protecting youth and families from harmful influences. As the Asia Cup approaches, cricket fans will watch keenly not just for the action, but to see if Team India’s jersey remains sponsor-less—a rare sight in high-profile sport.
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