Key Points
- Dream11-BCCI Partnership Ends: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially ended its ₹358 crore, three-year title sponsorship deal with Dream11 following the government’s ban on real-money online gaming under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
- Immediate Impact: Dream11’s exit leaves Team India without a lead sponsor just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin on September 9 in the UAE.
- Legal Compliance: The new law bans all real-money gaming and associated advertising, wiping out the core business model of companies like Dream11.
- No Penalties for Dream11: The sponsorship contract included a clause protecting Dream11 from penalties if government regulation impacted its core business, allowing a penalty-free exit.
- BCCI Seeks New Sponsor: BCCI is now inviting bids and deliberating alternatives, aiming to finalize a new lead sponsor within 15-20 days.
- Industry-Wide Ripple Effect: Other fantasy gaming companies, like My11Circle, may also see their cricket sponsorships come to an end due to the bill.
New Delhi: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ended its ¥358 crore partnership with Dream11, a leading fantasy sports platform, following a significant legislative change. BCCI Secretary Devjit Saikia confirmed the split on Sunday, noting that Dream11 could no longer continue under the new regulatory landscape that now bans real-money gaming in India.
Dream11, which signed a landmark three-year agreement with BCCI in 2023 to become Team India’s lead jersey sponsor, announced its decision in response to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The bill was recently passed in Parliament and signed into law by the President, outlawing real-money online gaming and its advertising.
“For us to continue with Dream11 or any similar company is not possible under the new law,” Saikia told media. “This has created a significant roadblock, and our association with Dream11 is now over.” He further clarified that as per the contract, Dream11 would not face any penalties since the agreement included provisions for legislative changes impacting their business.
The timing of the split is critical: the Asia Cup 2025 begins in less than three weeks, and Team India is now without a primary shirt sponsor. “We have to look for an alternative, not simply a replacement,” Saikia noted, adding that BCCI is in active talks and expects to settle on a new sponsor within 15-20 days. New bids are being invited and all sponsorship options are being considered as the board aims for a seamless transition before the major tournament.
Dream11 had replaced Byju’s as the cricket team’s jersey sponsor in 2023, with its logo debuting during the Test series against the West Indies. The company’s heavy investment also included partnerships in IPL and ambassador deals with top Indian cricketers, but the new law has forced it to halt all paid contests and sponsorship contracts.
The impact of the Online Gaming Bill is likely to extend beyond Dream11, with other fantasy sports firms like My11Circle expected to reconsider their cricket sponsorships too. The law is aimed at regulating the gaming industry, banning all real-money games, and curbing financial and social risks associated with online betting platforms.
BCCI officials stress their commitment to full compliance with government policy and will steer clear of partnerships with companies affected by the bill. The board is now at a crossroads—and the search for a new sponsor could reshape the commercial landscape of Indian cricket just ahead of a crucial series.
What’s Next?
- BCCI will announce a public tender for the now-vacant jersey sponsorship slot.
- The new sponsor is expected to be finalized before the Asia Cup, but the board admits there is intense pressure to act quickly.
- Fantasy sports sponsorships across Indian sports may face widespread disruption as the industry adjusts to the new regulatory era.
