Dream11 Bids Goodbye: Cricket fans in India are set to witness a big change both on and off the field. Fantasy sports giant Dream11, one of the most visible names in Indian cricket over the past few years, has decided to step away from its sponsorship of the national cricket team. The move comes after the Indian government passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, a legislation that has dramatically altered the landscape for online gaming companies.
A Sudden End to a High Profile Partnership
On Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially confirmed that its association with Dream11 has ended. The development leaves the Indian cricket team without a title sponsor just weeks before the Asia Cup begins in the UAE. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia announced that the board will no longer engage in sponsorship deals with companies from the online gaming sector in the future, making it clear that this break is final.
Dream11 representatives reportedly visited the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai last week and personally informed the board’s CEO, Hemang Amin, about their inability to continue the contract. Following this meeting, the fantasy sports platform officially pulled out of the deal, citing changes in government regulations as the primary reason.
Contract Terminated Without Penalty
Interestingly, Dream11’s exit does not carry any financial penalties. According to the sponsorship agreement, if a sponsor’s core business is affected due to a change in Indian law, the company is not liable to pay compensation to the cricket board. This clause has now come into effect, meaning the deal ends without any dispute.
The BCCI is expected to issue a fresh tender soon, hoping to rope in a new sponsor before the Asia Cup gets underway.
A Partnership That Shaped Modern Cricket Branding
Dream11 first became India’s team sponsor in July 2023, replacing edtech company Byju’s. Their three-year deal was worth ₹358 crore, marking one of the biggest partnerships in Indian sports at the time. Beyond sponsoring the national team, Dream11 also made its presence felt in the Indian Premier League (IPL), where legendary players like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah were signed as brand ambassadors.
In 2020, Dream11 even became the title sponsor of the IPL, stepping in at a time when Chinese mobile brand Vivo had to withdraw. Over the years, the fantasy sports platform expanded its reach globally, partnering with the Caribbean Premier League, New Zealand’s Super Smash, Australia’s Big Bash League, and Women’s Big Bash League.
Dream11 also forged ties beyond cricket, becoming the official fantasy partner for the Indian Super League (football), the Pro Kabaddi League, and even working with the International Hockey Federation.
The Road Ahead for Indian Cricket Sponsorship
Dream11’s departure creates a sponsorship vacuum at a crucial time, with the Asia Cup and the World Cup both on the horizon. The BCCI, one of the wealthiest cricket boards in the world, is unlikely to struggle in attracting new sponsors, but the decision marks a turning point in how government regulations can influence commercial partnerships in sports.
For fans, this is more than just a name change on the team jersey it represents a shift in the growing intersection of gaming, business, and cricket.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements, media reports, and publicly available information as of August 25, 2025. Sponsorship and contractual decisions may evolve, and details are subject to change.
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