BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11 After Online Gaming Ban
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially announced the end of its sponsorship association with fantasy sports giant Dream11. This decision comes in the wake of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans all fantasy and real-money gaming platforms in India.
This marks the end of a significant sponsorship era, as Dream11 has been one of the biggest financial contributors to Indian cricket over the past decade. However, with the government’s new regulations, BCCI has no option but to cut ties with the company and begin the search for a new title sponsor.
Why Did BCCI End Its Association With Dream11?
The Online Gaming Bill 2025, passed by both houses of Parliament, imposes a blanket ban on online money games, including fantasy sports apps like Dream11 and My11Circle. The law explicitly states that:
“No person shall offer, aid, abet, induce, or engage in offering online money gaming services, nor involve in any advertisement which directly or indirectly promotes any person to play any online money game.”
Following this legislation, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board had no option but to end its partnership with Dream11. He said: BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
“Looking at the current situation and keeping in mind that the bill has become an Act, it would be really difficult for BCCI to continue with Dream11. So, the association with Dream11 is over and BCCI will look for a future course of action, including a new sponsor.” BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
This official confirmation ends months of speculation around the future of fantasy gaming sponsorships in Indian cricket. BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
Financial Impact on BCCI
The financial blow is massive. Together, Dream11 and My11Circle contribute around ₹1,000 crore to Indian cricket through various sponsorships.
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Dream11 alone signed a USD 44 million (₹358 crore) deal with BCCI for the 2023–2026 cycle as Team India’s title sponsor. BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
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The platform has also been a consistent sponsor in the Indian Premier League (IPL), further strengthening its footprint in Indian cricket. BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
With this exit, BCCI will have to quickly find a replacement sponsor to cover the shortfall in revenue.
What This Means for Fantasy Sports in India
The bill has created uncertainty for the entire fantasy sports ecosystem in India. Companies like Dream11, My11Circle, MPL, and FanCode face a massive business disruption. BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
Fantasy sports had seen exponential growth in the last decade, riding on the back of cricket’s popularity in India. Millions of users participated daily, making fantasy cricket a multi-billion-dollar industry.
But with the ban now in place:
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Apps cannot operate legally.
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Advertising related to fantasy gaming is banned.
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Sports bodies like BCCI, IPL franchises, and domestic tournaments can no longer engage with such brands.
This decision could lead to job losses, reduced investments in sports sponsorships, and a major shift in how cricket-related revenue is generated in India. BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
Who Could Replace Dream11 as BCCI Sponsor?
The big question now is: Who will replace Dream11 as Team India’s title sponsor?
With BCCI being the richest cricket board in the world, there is no shortage of interested companies. However, the ban rules out fantasy gaming companies, leaving room for brands from other industries such as:
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Tech giants (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Byju’s return possible)
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Telecom & OTT platforms (Jio, Airtel, Disney+ Hotstar, Sony)
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Consumer brands (Pepsi, Coca-Cola, Tata, Reliance)
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E-commerce & Fintech (Flipkart, Paytm, PhonePe)
Given India’s cricket popularity, the next title sponsorship deal could even surpass Dream11’s contract value.
History of BCCI’s Title Sponsors
To understand the significance of this change, it’s worth recalling BCCI’s past sponsorships:
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Pepsi was India’s team sponsor until 2017.
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Oppo replaced Pepsi and held the sponsorship rights until 2019.
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Byju’s then signed a major deal until 2023.
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Dream11 took over as Team India’s title sponsor in 2023, continuing until the ban forced its exit in 2025.
Each of these transitions brought new revenue, but also new challenges. The exit of Dream11 highlights the dependence of sports on government policy and regulations.
Impact on Indian Cricket and Fans
While the financial aspect is significant, there is also an emotional impact. Dream11 was heavily promoted during IPL, bilateral series, and ICC events involving India. Fans had become accustomed to seeing the Dream11 logo on Team India jerseys. BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
With its sudden exit:
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Fans will see a new brand logo on Indian jerseys soon.
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IPL franchises may also need to renegotiate deals if affected.
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Broadcasters will have to adjust advertisements.
Overall, Indian cricket faces a new sponsorship landscape—one that could bring in bigger global brands but also ends the fantasy sports era. BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
The BCCI’s decision to end its association with Dream11 marks a turning point in Indian cricket sponsorship. The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has reshaped the commercial structure of sports in India, forcing the richest cricket board to look for new revenue streams. BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
While this creates challenges, it also opens opportunities for major global corporations to step into Indian cricket sponsorship. Fans now wait eagerly to see who becomes the next official sponsor of Team India.
One thing is certain—Indian cricket will continue to thrive, but the landscape of sports sponsorship in the country will never be the same again. BCCI to End Association with Sponsor Dream11
