Dream11 is “not willing to continue its deal” with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), ending what was supposed to be a three-year partnership worth ₹358 crore ($43 million). The fantasy sports giant signed this huge deal in July 2023, but recent changes in India’s gaming laws have forced them to reconsider.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Indian cricket fans. With the Asia Cup 2025 just around the corner, Team India might play without any sponsor logo on their jerseys for the first time in years.
Why Dream11 Had to Leave
The main reason behind this exit is India’s new Online Gaming Bill 2025. The new gaming Bill has passed in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha and now only needs the President’s nod for the Bill to become an Act, after which all real-money gaming apps including Dream11 will be immediately banned from running their operations.
This law specifically targets real-money gaming platforms. Once the President signs it, companies like Dream11, MPL, and Zupee Games will have to shut down their operations in India. Companies like Dream11, MPL and Zupee Games will be barred from operating in the country, making it impossible for them to continue sponsorship deals with the national cricket team.
For American readers, think of it like if DraftKings or FanDuel suddenly got banned nationwide – that’s the scale of impact we’re talking about here.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
Financial Impact
The BCCI now faces a massive financial gap. Losing $43 million over three years is no small amount, especially when cricket boards worldwide are competing for the best sponsorship deals. The board already bars companies from the betting, cryptocurrency, tobacco, and real-money gaming sectors from bidding for sponsorship rights, which further narrows down its options.
Jersey Sponsorship Crisis
The BCCI is expected to invite fresh bids for jersey sponsorship rights, though whether a new partner can be finalised before the Asia Cup remains uncertain. The board might face a tough choice: either find a quick replacement or play without a main sponsor.
Interestingly, Board officials have hinted they would prefer no sponsor at all over a low-profile stop-gap deal, showing how seriously they take their brand image.
The Bigger Picture
Dream11’s exit shows how quickly government policies can shake up the sports business world. The company had become synonymous with Indian cricket, especially after the IPL’s massive success during the pandemic years.
For context, Dream11 has over 100 million users in India, making it one of the country’s most popular apps. The platform allows users to create fantasy teams and win real money based on player performance – similar to how Americans play fantasy football or baseball.
What Happens Next?
The BCCI now has limited time to find a replacement before major tournaments begin. They’re looking at companies from other industries, but the restrictions are tight. No betting, crypto, tobacco, or gaming companies can apply.
This situation highlights a growing trend worldwide where governments are cracking down on online gaming platforms. While the US has seen state-by-state regulation of fantasy sports, India is taking a complete federal ban approach.
The Dream11-BCCI split marks the end of an era in Indian cricket sponsorship and shows how quickly the sports business landscape can change when new laws come into play.
