The partnership between Dream11 sponsorship and BCCI has officially come to an end, marking another major shakeup in Indian cricket’s commercial landscape. For years, fantasy sports giant Dream11 has been one of the most visible names on the Indian cricket team’s jerseys. But due to new legal developments and the implementation of the Online Gaming Bill 2025, the deal has been terminated.
This move not only impacts the future of Dream11 sponsorship but also forces the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to urgently search for a new partner ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to begin on September 9. Let’s take a deep dive into why Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI ended, what the new law means, and what lies ahead for Indian cricket sponsorship.
The End of Dream11 Sponsorship
Earlier this week, Dream11 representatives officially informed the BCCI that they could no longer continue as the title sponsor of the Indian cricket team. The Dream11 sponsorship deal was worth around ₹358 crore, a significant investment that helped strengthen the brand’s visibility both in India and globally.
However, with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 coming into effect, the legal environment for companies in the online gaming industry drastically changed. The new law prohibits real-money gaming, advertising, and sponsorship deals related to fantasy sports platforms. This made the continuation of Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI legally impossible.
Why Dream11 Sponsorship Was Terminated
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has been a game-changer for the entire industry. While Dream11 had previously managed to position itself as a fantasy sports company rather than a gambling entity, the new law made no exceptions. It categorically banned sponsorships and promotions from such platforms in mainstream sports.
The Dream11 sponsorship agreement also had a clause that protected the company from legal or financial penalties in case of sudden regulatory changes. This means Dream11 could walk away from the deal without paying damages to BCCI.
So, even though the deal was prematurely terminated, Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI ended on a mutually acceptable note, with both parties citing unavoidable legal reasons.
BCCI’s Official Statement on Dream11 Sponsorship
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the termination of the Dream11 sponsorship contract and emphasized that the board would no longer engage with such organizations in the future. His statement made it clear that Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI was not only over but that similar companies in the gaming and fantasy sports space should not expect deals going forward.
This marks a significant shift in policy. For years, fantasy sports platforms have dominated cricket sponsorships, with companies like Dream11, My11Circle, and Mobile Premier League investing heavily in cricket. But with this law, that chapter seems to be closing for good.
The Urgency Before Asia Cup 2025
One of the biggest challenges for BCCI now is time. The Asia Cup 2025 is set to begin on September 9, leaving the board with only a few weeks to finalize a new sponsor. The absence of Dream11 sponsorship has created a gap on the team’s jerseys and in BCCI’s financial plans.
Sponsors play a critical role in the visibility and revenue streams of the Indian cricket team. Without Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI, the board must quickly float tenders, invite bids, and finalize a new deal. Major brands from telecom, FMCG, and digital payment industries may be in the race to replace Dream11.
Why Dream11 Sponsorship Was So Important
The significance of Dream11 sponsorship cannot be overstated. Over the last few years, Dream11 became synonymous with cricket in India. From jersey sponsorships to IPL partnerships, the company leveraged cricket’s massive fanbase to grow its user base and strengthen its dominance in the fantasy sports sector.
With Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI, the company wasn’t just advertising—it was becoming part of Indian cricket’s cultural fabric. Fans saw the Dream11 logo every time Team India stepped onto the field, making it one of the most recognized brands in Indian sports marketing.
The end of this association therefore represents more than just a commercial loss. It reflects how shifting laws and government regulations can reshape the entire ecosystem of sports sponsorship.
The “Jersey Jinx” of Indian Cricket Sponsorship
Business leaders have already started calling Indian cricket sponsorship a “jersey jinx.” Over the years, several major companies—Sahara, Star India, Micromax, Paytm, Oppo, Byju’s, and now Dream11—have exited prematurely.
The Dream11 sponsorship saga is the latest example of how volatile jersey sponsorship deals have become. While these companies initially saw jersey sponsorships as a golden ticket to brand visibility, many faced unforeseen challenges—legal, financial, or reputational—that cut their deals short.
This raises an important question: Is Indian cricket’s jersey sponsorship truly sustainable, or is it a high-risk investment?
Financial Impact of Losing Dream11 Sponsorship
The termination of Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI creates a direct financial gap for the board. Sponsorship deals are one of the biggest revenue sources for the BCCI, alongside broadcasting rights and ticket sales.
Although BCCI remains the wealthiest cricket board in the world, the sudden loss of the ₹358 crore Dream11 sponsorship deal could still impact planned budgets. It could also lead to increased pressure on securing new long-term partnerships that are legally safe and sustainable.
Public Reactions to Dream11 Sponsorship Exit
Fans have had mixed reactions to the end of Dream11 sponsorship. Some welcomed the government’s decision to regulate online gaming strictly, saying that it protects young people from gambling-like activities. Others pointed out that fantasy sports had given fans a new way to engage with cricket and that banning such sponsorships limits innovation in the sports industry.
On social media, many users highlighted the irony of how frequently sponsors change for the Indian cricket team. For fans, it has almost become a routine to see a new logo on the team jersey every couple of years.
What’s Next After Dream11 Sponsorship Ends?
The immediate task for BCCI is to secure a new sponsor before the Asia Cup. Likely candidates could include tech companies, banks, e-commerce giants, or even FMCG brands looking for high visibility. The absence of fantasy sports companies due to the new law may pave the way for more traditional brands to enter the space.
In the long run, the end of Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI could reshape cricket sponsorship in India. The industry may shift from being dominated by gaming and ed-tech firms to sectors like fintech, telecom, and consumer goods.
Lessons from the Dream11 Sponsorship Case
The abrupt end of Dream11 sponsorship highlights a few important lessons:
- Legal Risks Are Real: Companies must account for sudden regulatory changes that can disrupt business models.
- Diversification Matters: Relying too heavily on one type of sponsor (like fantasy sports firms) can backfire.
- Brand Survival Test: Sponsorships with the Indian cricket team bring huge visibility, but also immense challenges.
Conclusion
The termination of Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI is a landmark moment in the history of Indian cricket sponsorships. It demonstrates how government regulations can immediately impact commercial agreements and reshape industry dynamics.
While Dream11 exits gracefully under the protection of legal clauses, BCCI faces a time crunch to find a replacement before the Asia Cup 2025. The story of Dream11 sponsorship is not just about one company—it is about the evolving relationship between cricket, business, and law in India.
One thing is certain: the Indian cricket team will soon have a new sponsor. But whether that brand can survive the so-called “jersey jinx” remains to be seen.
FAQs with Answers
Q1: Why did the Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI end?
The Dream11 sponsorship ended due to the Online Gaming Bill 2025, which bans real-money gaming companies from sponsoring or advertising in sports.
Q2: How much was the Dream11 sponsorship deal worth?
The Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI was reportedly worth ₹358 crore, making it one of the most significant deals in Indian cricket.
Q3: Did BCCI fine Dream11 for ending the sponsorship early?
No, the contract had a clause protecting Dream11 from penalties if government regulations affected their business.
Q4: What did BCCI say about Dream11 sponsorship ending?
BCCI confirmed the termination and stated it would not engage with similar gaming companies in future sponsorship deals.
Q5: When did Dream11 sponsorship with BCCI officially end?
Dream11 sponsorship officially ended in August 2025, just weeks before the Asia Cup.
Q6: Who will replace Dream11 as Indian cricket team sponsor?
BCCI is expected to announce a new sponsor before the Asia Cup 2025. Telecom, fintech, and FMCG brands are likely contenders.
Q7: How does the end of Dream11 sponsorship affect the Asia Cup 2025?
The Indian cricket team enters the Asia Cup without a title sponsor, creating urgency for BCCI to secure a replacement.
Q8: What is the Online Gaming Bill 2025?
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 regulates digital gaming in India and bans real-money gaming platforms like fantasy sports from sponsorships.
Q9: Has this happened with other sponsors before?
Yes, several sponsors like Sahara, Star India, Oppo, Byju’s, and Paytm have exited prematurely, showing a pattern of unstable sponsorships.
Q10: Will Dream11 continue to be involved in cricket in India?
Due to the new law, Dream11 cannot legally sponsor or advertise in cricket, marking the end of such involvement.
Q11: Why is Indian cricket sponsorship called a “jersey jinx”?
Because many big brands like Sahara, Byju’s, Oppo, and now Dream11 have exited prematurely, raising doubts about long-term sustainability.
Q12: What does the end of Dream11 sponsorship mean for fans?
Fans will see a new brand logo on Team India’s jerseys soon, marking another change in the team’s commercial identity.
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