Indian cricket is staring at a sponsorship void after fantasy gaming leader Dream11 decided to withdraw from its title sponsorship deal with the BCCI. The move comes in the wake of the recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025, which has forced the company to suspend its real-money contests — its primary source of revenue.
Sponsorship Deal Cut Short
Dream11, which had a three-year agreement worth USD 44 million (₹358 crore) running until 2026, informed BCCI CEO Hemang Amin of its decision. The clause in the contract protects the company from penalties if a government law disrupts its business model, meaning the board cannot enforce damages. With the Asia Cup in Dubai just two weeks away, BCCI will now float a fresh tender to bring in a new sponsor.
Blow to Cricket’s Revenue Stream
Fantasy platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle have been among the biggest financial contributors to Indian cricket. Together, they were estimated to pump in nearly ₹1,000 crore through sponsorships in both bilateral series and the IPL. Dream11 had also been closely associated with multiple IPL franchises and served as the tournament’s title sponsor in 2020 when Vivo stepped away.
Dream11’s Broad Sporting Footprint
Founded 18 years ago, Dream11 has grown into an $8 billion company, expanding its partnerships well beyond Indian cricket. It holds deals with the Caribbean Premier League, New Zealand’s Super Smash, and Australia’s Big Bash League. On the domestic front, it has invested heavily in football, kabaddi, hockey, and basketball, even partnering with the NBA in India. Several Indian cricket stars, including MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah, have featured as its brand ambassadors.
Online Gaming Bill Forces a Shift
After Parliament outlawed real-money online games, Dream11 immediately suspended all paid contests, retaining only free-to-play options. The company’s core model revolved around fantasy cricket, where users create teams and pay entry fees based on live match statistics. The ban has now left Dream11 with shrinking revenue, directly impacting its ability to sustain high-value sponsorships like the one with the Indian cricket team.
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