IPL Chairman Arun Dhumal has recently addressed two significant issues concerning Indian cricket: the highly anticipated India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup and the ongoing search for a new lead sponsor for Team India.
Speaking at the Playcom Business of Sports Summit 2025, Dhumal conveyed his best wishes to the Indian team for their upcoming match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Dubai on September 14. Despite the intense rivalry and recent tensions, including the terrorist attack in Pahalgam in April, India will participate in the Asia Cup. Dhumal emphasized that the government has made its position clear: India will not engage in bilateral matches with Pakistan but will compete in ACC and ICC events. He affirmed that the BCCI would adhere to the government's guidance in this matter.
The context of this match is further complicated by the backdrop of strained relations between the two countries. However, the Indian government has reformed a policy to deal with Pakistan in sports events and declared that Indian athletes and teams will be allowed to participate in "international events that also have teams or players from Pakistan. However, India will continue to refrain from participating in competitions in Pakistan and will not participate in any bilateral competition. Along with this, it is also declared that the visa policy will be "simplified" for sportspersons, team officials, technical personnel, and office-bearers of International Sports Governing Bodies for a "maximum" period of five years.
In addition to the Asia Cup clash, Dhumal provided an update on the search for a new lead sponsor for Team India. The search began after Dream11's sponsorship deal ended due to the passing of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025. The BCCI has already started the process of finding a replacement and has invited expressions of interest. Dhumal revealed that the new sponsor's identity is expected to be revealed in the next two to three weeks.
Dhumal also commented on the upcoming BCCI Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for September 28 in Mumbai. The new set of BCCI office-bearers will be elected at its AGM. While the rules allow for an election, the appointment can be unanimous if a candidate is guaranteed to secure a unanimous verdict. In that case, no election is required, and the candidate is appointed unopposed. Dhumal suggested that the BCCI will appoint its new president 'unanimously' and that board elections are unlikely to be held this year. Currently, Rajeev Shukla has been managing things at the top.
Dhumal also lauded the IPL's success, attributing it to the vision of past administrators and the abundance of talented players. He emphasized that the league's competitiveness is a key factor in its quality.
