New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) – IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal on Friday said the identity of Team India’s new lead jersey sponsor will be finalised within the next two to three weeks.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) began its search for a new sponsor after Dream11 exited following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025.
“I would not like to talk about Dream11’s exit. But we have started the ball rolling as far as the next sponsor is concerned. Within 2–3 weeks, we will get to know,” Dhumal told reporters at the PlayCom 2025 summit.
Meanwhile, the BCCI will elect a new set of office-bearers at its Annual General Meeting in Mumbai on September 28. “Nominations will start next week. We will soon have a clearer picture of who is going to be the next BCCI chief,” he added.
On India vs Pakistan in Asia Cup
Dhumal also extended best wishes to Suryakumar Yadav’s men ahead of India’s Asia Cup clash with Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. “When it comes to bilaterals, we are not going to play against Pakistan. But for ACC or ICC events, we will participate as per the government’s guidance,” he said.
IPL’s Success and Talent Pool
Reflecting on the Indian Premier League’s journey, Dhumal credited past administrators and India’s deep talent base for the tournament’s rise.
“Everybody thinks IPL began in 2008. It started much earlier as forward integration for the pool of players that BCCI had created. The quality of IPL is because every game is competitive, every ball is an event,” he said.
Dhumal recalled Brendon McCullum’s explosive innings in the IPL’s opening match and highlighted the rise of young players like 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who hit his first ball for six last season. “That is what defines IPL and keeps it in a different league,” he added.
The IPL, he noted, has also broadened India’s player pool, giving selectors multiple options across formats. “It’s a good problem to have. Remember the Gabba Test? We were playing with a C team and still won. That shows the depth of Indian cricket,” Dhumal said.
