BCCI Shuts Out Crypto Firms From Bidding for Team India Sponsorship - A Major Blow to Industry Legitimacy

Cricket's financial powerhouse draws line in sand—digital asset companies barred from sponsorship race.

Regulatory Jitters

The Board of Control for Cricket in India excludes cryptocurrency firms from bidding for national team sponsorship rights. Decision reflects ongoing tension between traditional sports bodies and emerging digital asset sectors.

Market Impact

Blocked access to one of sports' most valuable branding opportunities denies crypto companies massive visibility. Move signals continued institutional skepticism despite growing mainstream adoption.

Financial Fallout

Sponsorship vacuum creates immediate revenue questions for BCCI—because nothing says financial prudence like rejecting bids from an industry that created more millionaires than traditional finance did last decade.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially prohibited cryptocurrency and online gaming companies from participating in the bidding process for Team India’s title sponsorship rights. This move aligns with the Indian government’s newly enacted Online Gaming Act 2025, which bans online money gaming platforms. Bidders must also meet strict turnover requirements and avoid conflicts of interest, while surrogate branding attempts are disallowed. The move aims to ensure compliant and reputable sponsors for the national team’s future campaigns.