Dream11 Exits as India’s Cricket Sponsor After 2025 Gaming Ban – Full Impact Explained
The cricket and fantasy sports ecosystem in India has just witnessed a major shake-up. Dream11, the leading fantasy sports platform and one of the biggest sponsors of Indian cricket, has officially ended its ₹358-crore jersey sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The decision comes in the wake of the newly passed Online Gaming Bill 2025, which imposes restrictions on real-money online gaming advertisements and sponsorships. This unexpected move has sent shockwaves across the cricketing and business communities.
In this blog, we’ll break down:
- What exactly happened with Dream11’s exit
- The role of the Online Gaming Bill 2025
- How this impacts Team India, BCCI, and fantasy gaming companies
- Potential new sponsors stepping in
- What it means for cricket fans and the future of fantasy sports
What Happened Between Dream11 and BCCI?
Dream11 has been India’s official team sponsor since 2023, when it replaced BYJU’S as the lead jersey sponsor. The partnership was worth ₹358 crore annually, making it one of the most lucrative deals for the BCCI.
However, with the government’s ban on advertising real-money gaming apps, Dream11 was forced to withdraw from its jersey sponsorship role. Dream11’s withdrawal also raises questions about the future of online gaming in India 2025 and whether other platforms will face similar challenges. This exit means that the Indian cricket team’s jersey will no longer carry the Dream11 logo, effective immediately.
For fans, this may not seem like a big change visually, but for Indian cricket finances, this is a massive deal.
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 – The Game Changer
The Government of India introduced the Online Gaming Bill 2025 earlier this month. Its objective:
- To curb real-money online gaming advertisements and sponsorships
- To regulate fantasy sports, rummy, poker, and betting-related apps
- To protect consumers from gambling-like addiction
Under the new law:
- Gaming companies cannot sponsor sports events, jerseys, or stadiums if their app involves real-money stakes.
- Promotional tie-ups with sports stars and teams have been restricted.
- Hefty fines and penalties have been announced for violations.
Since Dream11 falls into the “real-money fantasy gaming” category, it had no choice but to terminate the sponsorship.
Impact on Team India and BCCI
The BCCI relies heavily on sponsorship deals to run cricket operations, pay players, and fund domestic cricket. Dream11’s exit leaves a huge financial gap.
- Financial Loss: BCCI loses one of its biggest sponsorship contracts worth hundreds of crores.
- Brand Visibility: With Dream11 out, Team India is left without a prominent sponsor ahead of crucial tournaments like the Asia Cup 2025 and ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
- Scramble for Replacement: The timing couldn’t be worse. BCCI is urgently seeking a new partner to avoid playing without a sponsor logo on jerseys.
Who Could Replace Dream11 as India’s Sponsor?
Now the biggest question is: Who will be Team India’s next jersey sponsor?According to industry reports, a few names are already in discussion:
1. Toyota –
The Japanese carmaker is in talks and has shown interest in becoming the lead sponsor.
2. Reliance Jio –
Already a strong player in Indian cricket sponsorships, Jio could step in to strengthen its brand visibility.
3. Fintech Startups (like PhonePe, Cred, or Paytm) –
With the gaming ban in effect, fintech and tech companies may fill the gap.
4. Consumer Brands (Amul, Pepsi, Unacademy) –
Traditional consumer brands are likely to take advantage of the opening.
If finalized soon, fans may see a new logo on Team India’s jersey in upcoming tournaments.
What This Means for Fantasy Gaming Companies
Dream11’s exit is not just about cricket—it’s a warning signal for the entire fantasy gaming industry in India. Sponsorship exits are not just about regulation; they’re also linked to the ₹20,000 crore annual losses from real-money gaming that highlight the financial risks of the industry.
- No Direct Sponsorships: Gaming apps can no longer associate with cricket teams or players for promotions.
- Shift in Marketing: These companies will now focus on digital marketing, influencer tie-ups, and app-based promotions instead of mainstream sponsorships.
Impact on Smaller Players: Big players like Dream11 may survive due to strong brand recall, but smaller apps could face huge challenges in reaching new users.
Fans’ Perspective – How Does This Affect You?
For cricket fans, the changes will be visible in two ways:
- Jersey Logo Change – Fans who bought Dream11-branded Team India jerseys may now own what will be seen as a “limited edition.”
- Fantasy Cricket Engagement – Fantasy platforms may now push content and tips more aggressively on social media rather than official cricket channels.
But the bigger question is—will fantasy cricket survive this storm?
Industry experts believe that while sponsorships will vanish, fantasy apps will continue to thrive as long as they are legally classified as “games of skill” rather than “gambling.” For fantasy players, the bigger concern is availability—many are asking whether Dream11 and other fantasy apps banned in India and what alternatives remain safe to play.
The Bigger Picture – Cricket and Sponsorship Trends
This isn’t the first time Indian cricket has seen a sponsor exit due to regulations. Over the years:
- Pepsi withdrew as IPL title sponsor in 2015 due to controversies.
- Vivo pulled out in 2020 amid India-China tensions.
- BYJU’S ended its deal in 2023 due to financial pressures.
Now, Dream11’s exit in 2025 highlights how government policy directly affects cricket sponsorships.
Looking ahead, sponsorships are likely to shift towards:
- Tech Companies
- Consumer Goods Brands
- Automobile Manufacturers
Final Thoughts
The exit of Dream11 as India’s jersey sponsor marks the end of an era where fantasy gaming companies had unprecedented visibility in cricket. While the Online Gaming Bill 2025 ensures more consumer protection, it has also shaken the financial backbone of Indian cricket’s sponsorship ecosystem.
For the BCCI, the challenge is to quickly onboard a new sponsor before major tournaments begin. For fantasy platforms, the road ahead lies in innovation and digital-first marketing. And for fans, this is yet another reminder of how cricket is not just a sport, but a business deeply influenced by politics, laws, and branding.
❓ FAQs
Dream11 was forced to exit due to the Online Gaming Bill 2025, which bans sponsorships and ads for real-money gaming apps.
Dream11’s deal with BCCI was worth around ₹358 crore annually, making it one of the biggest sponsorship contracts in Indian cricket.
Reports suggest companies like Toyota, Reliance Jio, and consumer brands like Amul or Pepsi are in talks to take over the sponsorship.
No. Fantasy apps like Dream11 can still operate, but they cannot advertise or sponsor cricket events due to the 2025 gaming law.
Fans may see new sponsor logos on Team India jerseys soon. Fantasy cricket apps may also shift promotions to digital and influencer marketing instead of official cricket tie-ups.