Cricket team of India searches for title sponsor as gambling prohibition approaches
The Indian cricket community is gearing up for a significant change as the bidding process for the Lead Sponsor Rights for the Indian National cricket team begins. However, potential bidders need to be aware of the restrictions imposed due to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
The Act, which is awaiting the President's signature, aims to ban online gambling in India. As a result, companies involved in online money games, betting, or gambling services or similar activities are prohibited from participating in the bidding process. This includes crypto and gambling companies, as well as companies with any investment or ownership interest in such entities.
The ban has already resulted in job cuts, with hundreds of people being laid off over the last few months.
The bidding process, which is open between September 2, 2025, and September 12, 2025, involves an Invitation for Expression of Interest for National Team Lead Sponsor Rights (IEOI). To show interest via IEOI, bidders need to pay a non-refundable fee of INR 5,00,000 or approximately $5,700.
However, it's not just gambling companies that are restricted. Tobacco, alcohol, and companies likely to offend public morals, such as pornography, are also prohibited from participating.
The deadline for submission of bid documents is set for September 16, 2025. Companies providing online money gaming, betting, or gambling services or similar services to any Person in India are also prohibited from participating.
The banning of online gambling is part of a larger effort to promote a cleaner and healthier environment for sports in India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated this bidding process with these restrictions in mind, ensuring that the sponsorship aligns with the values and ethics of Indian sports.
The approval of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, has put India on track to completely ban online gambling, marking a significant step towards a more responsible and ethical sports environment.
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