New Delhi, Sep 12 (NationPress) IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has announced that the name of the new lead sponsor for the Indian team will be disclosed within the next two to three weeks.

The search for a new lead jersey sponsor was initiated following the conclusion of the contract with Dream11, which ended due to the recent passing of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025.

“I believe what’s done is done regarding Dream11’s exit. I prefer not to discuss that matter. However, we have taken the first steps towards securing the next sponsor. I am confident that we will have clarity within 2-3 weeks,” Dhumal told reporters on Friday at the PlayCom 2025 summit.

In addition to the search for a lead sponsor, new BCCI office-bearers will be elected during the upcoming AGM, set to take place at the board’s headquarters in Mumbai on September 28. “We will commence nominations in a week, providing us with a clearer picture of who will be the next BCCI chief,” Dhumal added.

He also conveyed his best wishes to the Suryakumar Yadav-led team ahead of their 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup match against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. “I wish the Indian team the utmost success. The government has clarified its stance,” he said.

“Regarding bilateral matches, we won’t compete against Pakistan. However, in events like those organized by ACC or ICC, we must participate. We will adhere to the government’s advice,” he stated.

The Indian Premier League’s (IPL) thriving success has set an example for various sports in the country to foster successful franchise-based competitions. Dhumal emphasized that the ten-team league has flourished due to the vision of previous administrators and a vast pool of talented players.

“I cannot take credit for its success; it is the BCCI that has excelled over the years. Many believe IPL began in 2008, but it actually started much earlier. It was a forward integration for the pool of players the BCCI has nurtured over time,” he elaborated.

“The quality of IPL is attributed to the intense competition present in every match. Every ball becomes a spectacle. I extend my gratitude to all past administrators who have contributed to BCCI and helped us cultivate this exceptional pool of players.”

“From Brendon McCullum in the inaugural match to Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who made his IPL debut at just 14 years old and hit a six off his first ball last season, this defines IPL and sets it apart. As I mentioned earlier, we should focus on producing quality athletes, and the leagues will follow,” he added.

The IPL’s emergence has significantly broadened the talent pool for the Indian team, providing selectors with a rich array of options across all formats. Dhumal described the abundance of skilled players in India as a positive dilemma for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, particularly when assembling squads for bilateral series and major tournaments.

“This is a fortunate challenge to have. Sports can be unpredictable, with injuries often occurring. If someone cannot represent, another capable player will step in. Remember the Gabba Test? Our C team played, yet we triumphed,” he said.

“Such outcomes were unthinkable a few years ago. We should take pride in having this remarkable pool of players ready to give their best. Even if we cannot field our A team, we can still dispatch our B team,” concluded Dhumal.