The world of Indian cricket has been shaken as Dream11 ends BCCI sponsorship worth ₹358 crore, leaving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) without a lead partner just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025. This decision follows the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming and related advertising across the country.
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Why Dream11 Exited the Deal
Dream11 officially informed the BCCI that it could not continue as Team India’s lead sponsor due to the financial and operational challenges created by the new legislation. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the termination and emphasized that the board would remain fully compliant with government rules.
The sponsorship contract had a safeguard clause that allowed Dream11 to exit without penalties if regulatory changes made its core business unviable. With the government outlawing real-money fantasy sports, the company was left with no choice. Thus, Dream11 ends BCCI sponsorship ahead of schedule, marking a significant shift in cricket partnerships.
Background of the Partnership
Dream11 became the Indian cricket team’s lead sponsor in 2023, replacing Byju’s in a three-year contract worth ₹358 crore. The deal saw the Dream11 logo appear on Indian team jerseys during all international matches. Over two years, Dream11 expanded its presence in cricket and across the IPL, backed by brand ambassadors like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma.
However, after the ban on real-money gaming, the fantasy sports giant was forced to discontinue its high-profile partnerships, including with the BCCI.
Wider Impact on Cricket Sponsorship
The immediate fallout of Dream11 Ends BCCI sponsorship is a funding gap before the Asia Cup, scheduled for September 9, 2025. The BCCI must now urgently seek a new lead sponsor, possibly from non-gaming sectors such as fintech, telecom, or FMCG. This development also signals the end of fantasy sports companies’ dominance in Indian cricket sponsorships, a space they had occupied for years.
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The Online Gaming Bill and Its Consequences
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, aims to protect consumers by banning real-money gaming linked to gambling, financial fraud, and mental health risks. While free-to-play games are allowed, companies like Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle face massive losses as their primary business models collapse.
Looking Ahead
As Dream11 ends BCCI sponsorship, it marks not just the end of a high-value deal but also a turning point in India’s sports economy. With gaming platforms exiting sponsorships, Indian cricket will likely see a shift towards new industries filling the financial void.
