The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has ended its deal with fantasy sports company Dream11. The confirmation came from BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia on Monday.
Dream11 had signed a three-year deal worth Rs 358 crore in July 2023. It replaced Byju’s as the lead sponsor of the Indian cricket team. The company was also active in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with franchise deals. Earlier, it was even the lead sponsor of the IPL in 2020 after Vivo’s exit.
But the situation changed after the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025. The law was cleared in both houses of Parliament last week. President Droupadi Murmu also gave her assent. Soon after, Dream11 suspended all its money-based contests.
Saikia said the new law makes it impossible for BCCI to continue with Dream11. “Under the new legislation, it will be difficult for us to continue with Dream11 or any other similar gaming companies. We are now discussing an alternative,” he told IANS.
BCCI Begins Hunt For New Sponsor Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
The BCCI will not impose any penalty on Dream11. Their agreement had a clause protecting the sponsor in case its main business was banned by the government. So, Dream11 will not have to pay any extra money to BCCI.
With just a fortnight left for the Asia Cup in the UAE, the board faces a challenge. India will begin their campaign in the tournament on September 10. Saikia said there is little time to finalise a new sponsor. “If something develops in the next 15–20 days, there will be a replacement. Otherwise, we will see how things progress,” he added.
ALSO READ When and Where to Watch Asia Cup 2025 Matches LIVE in India?
The uncertainty is not only about Dream11. Another fantasy sports company, My11Circle, is also in trouble. Since 2024, My11Circle has been paying Rs 125 crore per year to BCCI as the official fantasy partner of the IPL. But it may also have to stop money-based contests under the new law.
The BCCI is now looking at fresh options to fill the sponsorship gap. The coming weeks will be important for both Indian cricket and the fantasy sports market.
