Dream11 Ends Sponsorship of Indian Cricket Team; BCCI Terminates Contract

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially ended its partnership with Dream11, the fantasy sports platform, which will no longer sponsor the Indian cricket team. The decision follows the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in both houses of Parliament. With the Asia Cup 2025 just two weeks away, the Indian team is now without a title sponsor.

BCCI Confirms Termination

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed to ANI that the board will not associate with organisations affected by legal changes in the online gaming sector.
"BCCI and Dream11 are discontinuing their relationship after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, was passed. BCCI will ensure not to indulge with any such organisations in future," he stated.

Dream11’s Decision to Exit

Dream11 representatives reportedly visited the BCCI office in Mumbai and informed CEO Hemang Amin that they would be unable to continue sponsorship of the Indian cricket team. As a result, the company will not sponsor the team for the upcoming Asia Cup, and the BCCI plans to issue a new sponsorship tender soon.

An official from the board confirmed that Dream11 is not liable for penalties under the contract, which includes a clause stating that if a sponsor’s core business is affected by a government-enforced legal change, it will not be held financially accountable.

Previous Sponsorship Details

Dream11, founded 18 years ago and valued at $8 billion, became the lead sponsor of the Indian cricket team in July 2023, replacing edtech firm Byju’s. The sponsorship was a three-year deal worth ₹358 crore.

The platform has also been active in the Indian Premier League (IPL), signing top players like MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah as brand ambassadors. In 2020, Dream11 became the trophy sponsor of the IPL, replacing Chinese company Vivo.

Dream11’s International Presence

Dream11 has extended its footprint beyond India into international cricket leagues:

• Caribbean Premier League – Official fantasy partner

• Super Smash – Title sponsor

• Australian domestic T20 competitions – Including Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League

Additionally, Dream11 partnered with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2018, expanding its global presence in cricket-related fantasy sports.

Sponsorship in Other Sports

Besides cricket, Dream11 has diversified its sponsorship portfolio into other Indian sports leagues:

• Indian Super League (football) – Official fantasy partner

• Pro Kabaddi League – Sponsorship partner

• International Hockey Federation – Official partner

This multi-sport approach has helped Dream11 become a prominent fantasy sports brand both nationally and internationally.

Implications of Online Gaming Bill

The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 impacts companies like Dream11, prompting the termination of sponsorship contracts with the BCCI. The law aims to regulate online fantasy and real-money gaming platforms in India, affecting existing agreements and advertising partnerships.

For BCCI, the bill means reconsidering associations with companies whose core business falls under regulated online gaming, ensuring compliance with Indian law.

Next Steps for BCCI

With Dream11 exiting as sponsor, BCCI plans to launch a new tender for team sponsorship ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The board aims to secure a partner that aligns with current regulations while continuing to support Indian cricket financially and commercially.

Conclusion

The termination of Dream11’s sponsorship highlights the impact of the new Online Gaming Bill on corporate partnerships in Indian cricket. Dream11 remains a leading fantasy sports brand globally, but regulatory changes have necessitated a reevaluation of its association with BCCI. The board’s prompt action ensures compliance and sets the stage for a new sponsorship deal in the near future.