Dream11 has ended its ₹358-crore sponsorship of Team India’s jersey after the government banned real-money gaming platforms. The BCCI now faces the urgent task of securing a new sponsor before the Asia Cup 2025.
Fantasy sports platform Dream11 has officially stepped away from its role as the jersey sponsor of the Indian men’s cricket team, following the government’s recent ban on real-money online gaming under the Online Gaming Regulation Bill 2025.
Why Dream11 Pulled Out
According to officials, Dream11 informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in person, stating it could no longer continue its association due to the new law that bars companies in the real-money gaming sector from advertising or sponsoring sports events.
The company’s exit comes just two years into its ₹358-crore, three-year agreement signed in 2023. Importantly, the contract had a clause protecting the firm from penalties if government policies made sponsorship impossible.
Impact on BCCI
Dream11’s sudden departure leaves the Indian team without a lead sponsor just weeks before the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 9. This has put the BCCI under pressure to quickly find a replacement sponsor to ensure the team’s jerseys do not go blank during one of the year’s biggest tournaments.
Possible Replacements
Industry experts believe major corporates and consumer brands could step in. Companies from sectors like automobiles, FMCG, fintech, and telecom are being discussed, with Tata, Reliance, and Adani seen as strong contenders for the high-visibility deal.
The Bigger Picture
Dream11’s exit highlights the ripple effects of the new gaming law, which has already disrupted India’s fast-growing fantasy sports industry. For Indian cricket, it signals a shift in sponsorship dynamics at a time when broadcast and endorsement revenues are already under scrutiny.
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