The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has begun the search for a new title sponsor for the national cricket teams after fantasy sports platform Dream11 ended its contract. The move comes in the wake of the newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which prohibits real money gaming and related advertisements in India. This development has made headlines under the theme BCCI new sponsor after Dream11.
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Dream11 Steps Away from Sponsorship
Dream11 had secured the sponsorship rights in 2023 for ₹358 crore over three years, covering India’s men’s, women’s, U-19, and emerging teams. With close to a year still left in the contract, the company is stepping away due to the regulatory changes. Unlike cases of payment defaults, Dream11 is not expected to face penalties, as the exit is a result of government restrictions.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development, stating that compliance with the law left no room for continuing the partnership. “With government regulations in place, the BCCI cannot continue its sponsorship relationship with Dream11 or any other similar gaming company,” he explained. This further highlights the challenge of finding a BCCI new sponsor after Dream11.
Government Restrictions Impact Fantasy Gaming
The newly passed legislation bans real money gaming and advertisements that promote such services. Violations can invite penalties up to ₹1 crore or a jail term of three years. This ruling has not only affected Dream11 but is also expected to impact other companies operating in the fantasy sports sector, including My11Circle, which has a five-year IPL deal worth ₹625 crore.
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Short-Term Impact on BCCI
While Dream11’s exit directly affects BCCI’s sponsorship revenue, officials acknowledged the company’s situation. A senior board member noted that the BCCI fully understood the challenges faced by Dream11 and that no penalties would be imposed. “This is a government rule and full compliance is required,” the official said.
However, the sudden termination comes at a sensitive time. With the Asia Cup starting in just a few weeks, it appears unlikely that the BCCI will finalize a new sponsor before the tournament. Industry watchers are already tagging the situation as the biggest case of BCCI new sponsor after Dream11 in recent years.
The Road Ahead
Finding a replacement requires a formal tender process, including inviting bids, evaluating applications, and announcing the new sponsor. This typically takes several weeks. For now, India may head into the Asia Cup without a title sponsor on the jerseys.
As for the Indian Premier League (IPL), the BCCI has more breathing space. If My11Circle or other similar companies are forced to withdraw, the board will still have time before the 2026 season to secure alternative partners. The story of BCCI new sponsor after Dream11 will continue to unfold in the coming months.
Final Word
The end of Dream11’s association highlights the broader impact of India’s evolving online gaming regulations. While the BCCI faces short-term financial adjustments, the bigger question is whether more entertainment and tech-driven brands will step up to fill the sponsorship gap in Indian cricket.
