The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is urgently searching for a new title sponsor for the Indian national teams after fantasy gaming giant Dream11 pulled out of its ₹358 crore deal. The decision comes as a direct result of the Indian Parliament passing the new Online Gaming Bill 2025, which bans all real-money-based online games, crippling the core business of platforms like Dream11.
The new legislation has had a devastating and immediate impact on the fantasy gaming industry. Dream11 CEO Harsh Jain starkly revealed the fallout, stating that "95 per cent of Dream11's revenues have disappeared overnight." Despite the abrupt end to the three-year contract, which began in July 2023, Dream11 will likely not face a financial penalty. The agreement reportedly includes a specific clause that protects the sponsor if its core business is impacted by a new government law.
The timing of the exit has put the BCCI in a difficult position. With the men's Asia Cup just a fortnight away and the Women's ODI World Cup following in a month, the board is in a race against time to find a replacement and is expected to float a new tender soon. "Their (Dream11) representatives visited the Board office recently and informed us that they are not in a situation to sponsor the teams anymore... we are exploring options,” a board official confirmed.
Dream11's withdrawal highlights a significant financial challenge for the broader cricket ecosystem. The company's sponsorship footprint extends far beyond the national team, with lucrative deals in place with several Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises and international competitions like the Big Bash League and the Caribbean Premier League. The sudden removal of this major revenue stream will be felt across the sport.
The government enacted the ban on real-money gaming citing concerns over widespread financial distress, addiction, and links to financial crimes. In response to the new reality, Dream11 has suspended its paid contests and stated that it will comply fully with the new law. "We have always been a law-abiding company... we will respect the law and fully comply with the 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025'," the company said in a statement.
