Dream11 Pulls Out of BCCI Sponsorship: What It Means for Indian Cricket

Dream11, one of India’s biggest online fantasy sports platforms, has officially ended its sponsorship deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). This sudden move—just weeks before the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025—has left fans, sponsors, and the cricketing world stunned.
But what exactly happened, and what does this mean for the BCCI and Indian cricket moving forward?
 

Dream11’s Exit: A Sudden End to a Lucrative Deal

Dream11 had been the official jersey sponsor of the Indian national cricket team since 2022, replacing BYJU’S in a high-value deal estimated at ₹358 crore (~$43 million USD). The logo was visible on Team India’s kits during international matches, symbolizing the partnership between online gaming and cricket’s most passionate fanbase.
However, according to multiple reports—including Indian Express, NDTV, and The Hindu—Dream11 has now backed out of the deal entirely. Sources claim Dream11 representatives visited the BCCI office to formally communicate the decision, and that the team will go into the Asia Cup 2025 without a jersey sponsor.

"It’s sudden and disappointing. We didn’t expect Dream11 to walk away right before a major tournament,” said a senior BCCI official (via Hindustan Times).

Why Did Dream11 Back Out?

1. Legal Uncertainty

The new Online Gaming Bill has raised concerns for platforms like Dream11. Though fantasy sports are often seen as games of skill, the law’s broad scope may classify them as gambling.

2. Brand Risk

With growing public and legal scrutiny, Dream11 may be stepping back to protect its brand, avoiding direct links to national cricket amid regulatory heat.

3. The Jersey Sponsor Curse

Dream11 joins a list of brands—like BYJU’S and Oppo—that have exited early. Many fans call it the “Indian Cricket Jersey Curse.”
 

Impact on BCCI and Indian Cricket

This exit leaves the BCCI scrambling for a new sponsor just before a marquee tournament. Here are the implications:

• Loss of Revenue:
  With Dream11 out, the BCCI stands to lose hundreds of crores in sponsorship revenue unless a replacement is found quickly.
• Brand Confidence:
  Other potential sponsors may hesitate to commit amid regulatory shifts in the online gaming space.
• Fan Sentiment:
  Indian cricket fans are expressing confusion and concern on platforms like Reddit and Twitter. Many blame poor policy clarity, while others point fingers at Dream11’s business model.
   

What’s Next for Dream11?

While the company has not shut down entirely, a Reddit thread on r/IndiaInvestments reported that Dream11 is “shutting down its real-money contests temporarily” and may be pivoting toward non-cash versions of its games to comply with new regulations.
This means Dream11 could either:

• Transition into a free-to-play model (like a gamified leaderboard),
• Focus on international expansion, or
• Exit fantasy cricket altogether if the legal risks outweigh the revenue.

Either way, their exit from BCCI sponsorship marks a significant turning point.

A Wake-Up Call for Sports Sponsorship in India

Dream11’s retreat highlights a deeper issue: the fragility of sports sponsorships tied to volatile industries like gaming and betting. As regulations evolve, more brands may reconsider their association with high-profile sporting bodies like the BCCI.

This also reignites conversations about ethical sponsorships, legal clarity, and the need for long-term partnerships that go beyond just money.

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