New Delhi : IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal revealed that the identity of the new lead sponsor of the Indian team will be announced within the next two to three weeks.
The search for India’s new jersey sponsor began after Dream11’s deal ended following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025.
“I think what is done is done (on Dream11’s exit). I would not like to talk about that. But we have started the ball rolling as far as the next sponsor is concerned. I am sure within 2–3 weeks we will get to know that,” Dhumal told reporters on Friday on the sidelines of the PlayCom 2025 summit.
Apart from the lead sponsor search, BCCI will elect a new set of office-bearers at its AGM in Mumbai on September 28. “For sure, we have the nomination starting in a week’s time. So we will get to know. We will have a better picture as to who is going to be the next BCCI chief,” Dhumal added.
He also extended his best wishes to the Suryakumar Yadav-led side ahead of its 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup clash against Pakistan in Dubai. “I would like to wish the very best to the Indian team. I think the government has clarified its position. When it comes to bilaterals, we are not going to play against Pakistan. But in ACC or ICC trophy events, we will have to participate. So we will go by what the government advises us to do,” he said.
The success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has provided a blueprint for other sports in the country to build thriving franchise-based competitions. Dhumal stated that the ten-team league succeeded because of past administrators’ vision and the vast pool of talented players.
“I haven’t made it successful. It is the BCCI who has done an amazing job over the years. Everybody thinks IPL started in 2008. No, it started much before that. It was forward integration for the pool of players that BCCI created over the years. The quality of IPL comes from the competitiveness in each and every game. Every ball is an event. So I would like to thank all the administrators of the past who led the BCCI and helped us create this kind of pool of players,” Dhumal explained.
He recalled Brendon McCullum’s iconic innings in the very first match and highlighted Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who at 14 hit his first ball for six in the last season. “That is what defines IPL and keeps it in a different league. Like I said here also, we should not focus on starting the league. Start producing quality sportsmen and leagues will follow,” he noted.
IPL’s rise has also expanded the Indian team’s talent pool, giving selectors a wealth of options across all three formats. Dhumal described the abundance of quality players as a good headache for Ajit Agarkar’s selection committee, especially during bilateral series and major tournaments.
“That is a good problem to have. Sports is one discipline where you are prone to many injuries. In case somebody is not there to represent, you will have the next one stepping up. Remember that Gabba Test? We were playing with our C team, but still we beat them. It was unthinkable a few years ago. We should be proud that we have this talented pool of players who are ready to give their best. If we cannot send our A team, we can send our B team,” Dhumal concluded.
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