New Delhi: Fantasy sports giant Dream11 has stepped down as the Indian cricket team’s title sponsor following the government’s ban on real money gaming leaving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) scrambling to find a replacement. With the Asia Cup just weeks away, the board may not have a new deal in place before the tournament.
Dream11 Forced to Withdraw
The exit comes in the wake of the recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which prohibits companies from offering or advertising money-based online gaming. The legislation also outlines penalties of up to ₹1 crore or three years’ imprisonment for violations.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development, saying:
“With government regulations in place, the BCCI cannot continue its sponsorship relationship with Dream11 or any such gaming company. We are in the process of looking for alternatives.”
Dream11 had signed a ₹358 crore, three-year deal in 2023, covering India’s senior men’s, women’s, U-19 and emerging teams. Their exit comes with nearly a year left on the contract.
Impact on Revenue Streams
Fantasy gaming companies have been hit hard by the new law, with the revenue model of the sector collapsing overnight. However, unlike cases of default, BCCI will not impose penalties on Dream11.
“This is not their fault. It’s a government regulation, and compliance is mandatory. We fully understand their position,” a senior BCCI official said. “Of course, our own profits will be impacted in the short term.”
Tight Timeline Before Asia Cup
Finding a new sponsor before India’s opening Asia Cup match in the UAE appears difficult. The BCCI will need to issue tenders, invite bids, and follow the due process before finalising a partner — a process unlikely to be completed within 15 days.
Meanwhile, questions are also being raised about the future of other real-money fantasy platforms associated with Indian cricket. My11Circle, which committed ₹625 crore as IPL’s fantasy partner, may also face uncertainty.
“For the IPL, there is still time to reassess if needed,” the official added. “But for the national team, the situation is immediate and tricky.”
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