The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the fantasy sports platform Dream11 have ended their ₹358 crore sponsorship deal following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money online gaming and related advertising in India.
Dream11 informed BCCI it could no longer continue the partnership due to the financial impact of the new law. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the termination and pledged compliance with the legislation, stating that the board will avoid similar sponsorships going forward. This development leaves BCCI without a lead sponsor ahead of the Asia Cup scheduled for September 9, 2025.
BCCI and Dream 11 Partnership
Dream11 signed a landmark three-year sponsorship deal with the BCCI in 2023, valued at approximately ₹358 crore, becoming the lead sponsor for the Indian cricket team until 2026. This partnership replaced Byju’s and included a per-match fee for home and away games. Dream11’s logo first appeared on team jerseys during the July 2023 Test series against the West Indies.
Besides the Indian team, Dream11 was deeply involved in the IPL and other sports leagues, leveraging star ambassadors like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. However, the recent Online Gaming Bill banning real-money gaming forced Dream11 to end this lucrative partnership, marking a major shift in cricket sponsorship.
Impact of the Online Gaming Legislation
The Online Gaming Bill passed by both Houses of Parliament outlaws real-money online gaming activities, dismantling the core business model of fantasy sports companies like Dream11. Dream11’s ₹358 crore sponsorship contract with BCCI, signed in 2023 for three years, became untenable as the new law prohibits the company’s principal revenue streams.
Dream11 had replaced Byju’s as the Indian cricket team’s lead sponsor and was also a major presence across IPL franchises and various sports leagues globally. BCCI Secretary Saikia stressed the board’s commitment to strict adherence to government policy, saying, “If it’s not permissible, we won’t do anything”.
Background and Broader Sporting Context
The bill aims to regulate online gaming by banning real-money gambling while promoting social and skill-based games, citing concerns over financial fraud, psychological distress, and threats to national security. Dream11 had suspended all paid contests following the bill’s passage and will now operate only free-to-play games.
The sponsorship contract included a clause protecting Dream11 from penalties if legislative changes impacted its core business, allowing for an early, penalty-free termination of the deal. With the Asia Cup approaching, BCCI is now inviting bids for a new team sponsor, marking a significant shift in cricket sponsorship dynamics amid regulatory changes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The end of this sponsorship underscores the complex interplay between regulatory frameworks designed to protect society and the commercial realities of sports partnerships fueled by emerging digital industries. While safeguarding consumers from potentially harmful gambling activities is imperative, the abrupt disruptions for businesses and sports bodies highlight a need for balanced policies that support sustainable growth and innovation.
The Logical Indian advocates for open dialogue among regulators, industry players, and sports stakeholders to forge pathways that reconcile legal imperatives with economic vibrancy. How can collaborative approaches be developed to foster responsible gaming ecosystems while ensuring sports sponsorships continue to thrive? Readers are encouraged to join the conversation and share insights on nurturing harmony in this evolving landscape.
