Dream11 exits, leaving BCCI without a team sponsor ahead of the Asia Cup.

Dream11 has notified BCCI CEO Hemang Amin that it cannot continue its sponsorship following Parliament’s recent ban on real money-based online games.

Just days after the law was passed, the fantasy sports giant confirmed it would withdraw as a sponsor of the Indian cricket team, forcing the BCCI to urgently search for a new partner with only two weeks left before the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Representatives of Dream11 visited the BCCI office and informed CEO Hemang Amin that they would be unable to continue their association. As a result, the company will not serve as the team’s sponsor for the Asia Cup. “The BCCI will issue a new tender soon,” a board official told The Indian Express.

Another official clarified that the withdrawal would not invite any penalty, as the contract includes a clause stating that if a sponsor’s core business is affected by a government law, they are “not liable to pay anything” to the cricket board.

Pooja Sabharwal, vice president (communications) at Dream Sports, declined to comment.

Founded 18 years ago, Dream11 has grown into the country’s largest fantasy gaming platform, valued at $8 billion, according to Bloomberg. In July 2023, it secured a three-year, ₹358-crore deal to become the BCCI’s lead sponsor, taking over from edtech company Byju’s.

The company also maintains a significant presence in the IPL, with partnerships across franchises. Several leading cricketers — including Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah — have endorsed the brand. In 2020, Dream11 stepped in as the IPL’s title sponsor after Chinese smartphone maker Vivo withdrew. Its influence now stretches well beyond Indian borders.

Dream11 is the official fantasy partner of the Caribbean Premier League and the title sponsor of New Zealand’s domestic T20 tournament, the Super Smash. It also has associations with Australia’s Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League. In 2018, the company struck a partnership with the International Cricket Council.

Beyond cricket, Dream11 has expanded into other sports. It serves as the official fantasy partner of the Indian Super League, the country’s top-tier football competition, and in 2017 collaborated with the National Basketball Association to launch its official fantasy game on the platform. The company has also partnered with the Pro Kabaddi League and the International Hockey Federation.

Impact of the Online Gaming Bill (Dream11)

Following the passage of the Online Gaming Bill in Parliament, Dream11 immediately announced the suspension of all paid contests on its platform, shifting to a free-to-play model.

Real-money fantasy gaming — the company’s core offering — allows users to create a virtual playing XI and compete using real-time match statistics. Participants pay an entry fee, submit personal details such as PAN and bank information, and can either win or lose money depending on players’ performances.

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The government, in introducing the new law, pointed to concerns such as psychological distress, financial losses, money laundering, and even links to terrorism financing as justification for banning real-money gaming.

“The unchecked expansion of online money gaming services has been associated with unlawful activities, including financial fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, and in some cases, terrorism financing, thereby threatening national security, public order, and the integrity of the State,” the Bill stated.