Fantasy sports giant Dream11 is withdrawing its jersey sponsorship with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after the recent implementation of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The law bans real-money gaming platforms—including fantasy sports—and prohibits their advertising and sponsorships, making Dream11’s association with Team India legally impractical
On the positive side, the decision aligns with the government’s push to regulate online gaming and curb the risks of gambling addiction, financial losses, and misleading advertisements targeted at youth. It also opens the door for new sponsors from diverse industries such as technology, e-commerce, or FMCG, potentially making Indian cricket less dependent on gaming companies. Furthermore, the move helps strengthen cricket’s ethical positioning by distancing it from industries with controversial reputations.
However, the downsides are equally significant. BCCI faces a financial gap of over ₹350 crore, which may strain budgets for domestic cricket development and grassroots programs. The sudden void, just ahead of major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the World Cup cycle, could disrupt marketing campaigns and player endorsements. Additionally, with fantasy gaming companies like Dream11 and My11Circle being some of the biggest spenders in sports sponsorship, their absence may create a vacuum across other leagues like the IPL, Kabaddi, and football, potentially shrinking sports funding in India.
In short, while Dream11’s exit reflects a step toward responsible regulation, it also challenges the financial model of Indian cricket, forcing BCCI to quickly adapt and find new partners to sustain the game’s growing ambitions.
