25 Aug 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Fantasy sports platform Dream11 has ended its association with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) as the title sponsor of the Indian cricket team, after recent regulatory changes banned real-money gaming operations across multiple states in India.
End of a Major Sponsorship
Dream11, one of the biggest fantasy sports platforms in India, had been the principal team sponsor since 2023, with its logo displayed on the Indian men’s cricket team jerseys in bilateral and ICC tournaments. The exit comes after mounting compliance issues and financial pressure triggered by the ban on real-money gaming, which has hit the revenue streams of fantasy sports operators.
BCCI confirmed the development and stated it had already initiated the process to bring in a new sponsor ahead of the upcoming home series. “We respect Dream11’s decision in light of the evolving regulatory environment and thank them for their support to Indian cricket,” a BCCI spokesperson said.
Regulatory Crackdown on Real-Money Gaming
The real-money gaming sector has faced increased scrutiny in India, with multiple state governments imposing outright bans citing concerns over gambling addiction, financial losses, and youth welfare. The central government’s 28% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on online gaming also dealt a major blow to the industry, leading companies like Dream11, MPL, and Games24x7 to reassess marketing budgets.
Legal experts say the current environment makes it challenging for gaming platforms to sustain high-profile sponsorships like those in cricket. The bans have forced firms to cut costs, reduce ad spend, and shift focus to skill-based gaming categories where regulations are less stringent.
BCCI’s Commercial Impact
The loss of Dream11 is significant given the lucrative nature of Indian cricket sponsorships. BCCI remains the richest cricket board globally, with sponsorship rights forming a major share of its revenues. Industry insiders estimate the Dream11 deal was worth around ₹350–400 crore annually.
However, market experts believe BCCI will quickly find a replacement due to cricket’s unmatched reach in India. Leading consumer-facing brands from sectors such as telecom, FMCG, fintech, and technology are expected to bid aggressively for the high-visibility title sponsorship slot.
Industry Reaction
Sports marketing analysts view Dream11’s withdrawal as both a setback and an opportunity. “This reflects the growing uncertainty in the online gaming space. But for BCCI, the brand value of Indian cricket is so strong that replacement sponsors will line up quickly,” said a senior analyst at a leading sports consultancy.
Fans on social media expressed mixed reactions. While some lamented the loss of Dream11, a familiar name in cricket partnerships, others welcomed the possibility of seeing traditional consumer brands back on the Indian jersey.
What’s Next?
BCCI is expected to release an expression of interest (EOI) for new sponsorship bids in the coming weeks. The board will likely finalize a deal before India’s next bilateral series at home to ensure uninterrupted commercial branding.
With Dream11’s exit marking another chapter in the ongoing tussle between sports sponsorships and gaming regulations, the spotlight now turns to who will step up as the next face on Team India’s jersey.
Summary
Dream11 ended its sponsorship with BCCI after real-money gaming bans and higher taxes hit revenues. BCCI is now seeking a new title sponsor, with strong interest expected from consumer brands.