The search for India\u2019s new lead jersey sponsor began after its deal with Dream11 ended due to the passing of Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think what is done is done (on Dream 11\u2019s 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,\u201d Dhumal told reporters on Friday, on the sidelines of PlayCom 2025 summit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Apart from the lead sponsor search, a new set of BCCI office-bearers will be elected at its AGM, to be held in the board\u2019s headquarters in Mumbai on September 28. \u201cFor 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,\u201d added Dhumal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He also extended his best wishes to the Suryakumar Yadav-led side ahead of its 2025 Men\u2019s T20 Asia Cup clash against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. \u201cI would like to wish the very best to the Indian team. I think the government has clarified its position.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWhen it comes to bilaterals, we are not going to play against Pakistan. But when you have such ACC or ICC trophy events, we will have to participate in that. So we will go by what the government advises us to do,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The success of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has served as a blueprint for other sports in the country to develop thriving franchise-based competitions, and Dhumal stated the ten-team league has become successful due to the past administrators\u2019 vision and a grand pool of talented players.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I haven't made it successful. It is the BCCI who has done an amazing job over the years. Everybody thinks that IPL got started in 2008. No, it started much before that. It was forward integration for the pool of players that BCCI has created over the years - to have that pool of players and get going with the tournament.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"The quality of IPL is because of the competitiveness that you have in each and every game. Every ball is an event. So I would like to thank all the administrators of the past who have led the BCCI and helped us create this kind of pool of players who are there to deliver their best in each of the games.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Starting from Brendon McCullum in the first match, and the kind of innings that he had. In the last season, you had somebody like Vaibhav Suryavanshi at the age of 14 who is getting his first opportunity in the IPL and hitting his first ball for six.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"So 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,\u201d he elaborated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
IPL\u2019s rise has also significantly expanded the Indian team\u2019s talent pool, thus giving selectors a wealth of options to choose from across all three formats. Dhumal described the abundance of quality players in India as a good headache for the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee, especially when selecting squads for bilateral series and major tournaments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"So 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,\u201d he elaborated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"It was not possible to think a few years back. But we should be proud of the fact that we have this talented pool of players who are ready to give their best. In case we are not able to send our A team, maybe we can send our B team,\" Dhumal concluded.<\/p>\r\n\r\n