India’s biggest fantasy sports company, Dream11, has stepped down as the lead sponsor of Team India’s jersey. The decision comes just days after the government banned all real-money online games, including fantasy cricket, under the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
What Happened?
Dream11 had been the name on India’s cricket jerseys since July 2023. The company had signed a ₹358 crore deal with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) to be the official lead sponsor until 2026. But with the new law making fantasy contests illegal, Dream11 has had to pull out of the contract early.
Team India’s Previous Lead Sponsors
Over the years, some of India’s biggest brands have appeared on the national team jersey:
BYJU’S (2019 – 2023) – Edtech company replaced Oppo.
Oppo (2017 – 2019) – Smartphone maker, later transferred rights to BYJU’S.
Star India (2014 – 2017) – Media and broadcasting giant.
Sahara India (2001 – 2014) – One of the longest sponsors in Indian cricket history.
ITC Wills (1996 – 2001) – Promoted the Wills brand.
Pepsi (1993 – 1996) – Global beverage company.
Dream11 was the first fantasy sports brand to sponsor Team India’s jersey.
BCCI Looking for a New Sponsor
The BCCI has now started talks with other companies to fill the empty sponsorship spot before upcoming tournaments. A senior official said that the board will no longer work with real money gaming firms, making it clear that the search will focus on brands from other industries.
Why This Matters
Over the last few years, fantasy sports apps like Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle poured huge money into Indian cricket, not only with jersey deals but also in the IPL and team sponsorships. With these companies out of the picture, experts believe cricket could lose over ₹1,000 crore a year in sponsorship revenue.
Dream11’s Next Move
Dream11’s founders said they will not fight the ban in court. Instead, they plan to launch “Dream11 3.0”, a new version of the app that will focus on free-to-play games, social gaming, and fan engagement. While this keeps the brand alive, it may not bring the same buzz fantasy cricket once did.
Will It Impact Cricket Viewership?
Some analysts think that without fantasy gaming, casual fans may lose interest in smaller matches and bilateral series. Fantasy apps had made watching cricket more interactive and fun. However, big events like the ICC tournaments are still expected to draw massive viewership, thanks to India’s deep love for the sport.
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