The upcoming Asia Cup in T20 format has been surrounded by controversies and setbacks. India was originally granted hosting rights, but the situation changed after a terrorist attack in Pehalgam (April 2025), where Pakistan-backed militants targeted tourists. In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor against terror networks. Following this, the BCCI announced that India would face Pakistan only in ICC tournament knockouts — complicating bilateral contests.
Despite this, the Asia Cup schedule now pits India against Pakistan in the league stage. As a non-ICC event, this has sparked backlash, especially since matches will be held at a neutral venue in Dubai. Adding to the debate, Team India’s squad announcement drew criticism. While Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain, IPL star Shreyas Iyer was excluded, raising eyebrows among fans and experts.
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A fresh controversy has emerged with the passing of the government’s new online gaming bill, which is expected to ban apps like Dream11. With Dream11 being Team India’s front-jersey sponsor, uncertainty looms. Will Team India go into the Asia Cup without a sponsor logo? Or will adjustments be made despite the sponsorship agreement already in place?
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BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has made the board’s stance clear: the BCCI will not continue with unauthorized or banned sponsors and will follow government directives fully. This means that when the Asia Cup begins on September 9, the Indian team might take the field without any sponsorship branding on their jerseys.
