NEW DELHI: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has invited applications for the lead sponsorship of the Indian cricket team. As per the announcement, "reputed firms" can submit their bids for the prestigious rights.

The Expression of Interest (EOI) document will be accessible to interested companies starting 2 September, while the final date for submitting bids has been fixed for 16 September.

Reports had earlier suggested that Team India could head into the Asia Cup, starting 9 September, without a lead sponsor after Dream11's exit. The BCCI's latest call for applications has now confirmed the situation, with the bid submission deadline set for mid-September.

The board is aiming to secure a long-term partnership for the position, keeping the men's 2027 World Cup in focus. During an emergency Apex Council meeting chaired by interim president Rajeev Shukla on 28 August, it was decided that the BCCI would not fast-track the process just to ensure a sponsor was in place for the Asia Cup.

Dream11's stint as lead sponsor ended following the enforcement of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which banned real-money gaming platforms in the country.

he BCCI has set clear guidelines for potential bidders in its press release: "Bidder, including any of its Group companies: (i) should not be engaged in online money gaming, betting or gambling services or similar services in India or anywhere in the world; (ii) should not provide any online money gaming, betting or gambling services or similar services to any Person in India; and (iii) should not have any investment or ownership interest in any Person engaged in betting or gambling services in India."

The BCCI further clarified: "To clarify, a bidder, including any of its Group companies, engaged in any activities/business that is prohibited under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 is not permitted to submit a bid." The board has also excluded companies dealing in tobacco, alcohol, and content that could "offend public morals" from the bidding process.