Indian Cricket Loses Big as Dream11 Exits Amid Online Gaming Bill Ban, Check Who Losses How Much
Indian Cricketers Could Lose Rs 150-200 Crore as BCCI Faces Rs 125 Crore Hit Due to Online Gaming Bill
The passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 by the Indian Parliament is sending ripples through the Indian sports and entertainment industry, particularly cricket. This sweeping legislation banning real money online gaming has prompted significant sponsors like Dream11 to pull out from lucrative endorsement deals, causing substantial financial blows to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and leading cricketers.
What the Bill Means for the Industry
The new law prohibits all forms of real money online gaming, including fantasy sports platforms, that offer monetary rewards. It also bans any advertisement or promotional activity that encourages participation in such games. The government aims to curb the social and economic harm caused by addictive gambling, financial losses, and risks to national security linked with online money gaming.
While the bill recognizes non-money/open platform gaming and esports as legitimate, the ban on paid fantasy contests hits gaming operators hard.
Immediate Impact: Dream11 and Beyond
Dream11, the current front-of-shirt sponsor for the Indian cricket team, has formally informed the BCCI that it will discontinue sponsorship due to the new restrictions. Dream11’s contract was valued at roughly INR 358 crore (US$44 million) over a three-year period ending in 2026.
In addition to Dream11, other fantasy platforms including My11Circle—which invests around INR 125 crore annually in the IPL through team partnerships—are expected to reassess future association with Indian cricket amid the regulatory clampdown.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed, "We will strictly follow government policies. If sponsorship is prohibited by law, it will not be pursued. The board respects all regulations."
Financial Implications for BCCI and Players
The fantasy sports sector is fundamental to the revenue machinery of Indian cricket, funneling over INR 1000 crore annually collectively through sponsorships of the Indian team and IPL franchises.
A recent report estimates that Indian cricketers could collectively lose up to INR 150-200 crore per year in endorsement income — a significant chunk of the financial ecosystem surrounding the sport.
Who Stands to Lose the Most?
Player | Current Gaming Sponsor | Estimated Annual Earnings (INR crore) |
|---|---|---|
Virat Kohli | MPL | 10-12 |
Rohit Sharma | Dream11 | 6-7 |
MS Dhoni | WinZO | 6-7 |
Jasprit Bumrah | Dream11 | 3-4 |
KL Rahul | Dream11 | 3-4 |
Rishabh Pant | Dream11 | 2-3 |
Hardik Pandya | Dream11 | 3-4 |
Krunal Pandya | Dream11 | 1-2 |
Mohammed Siraj | My11Circle | 1 (approx.) |
Washington Sundar | My11Circle | 1 (approx.) |
For senior players like Kohli, Rohit, and Dhoni, these sponsor deals formed a substantial portion of their income. Meanwhile, emerging stars and those less established in the national setup might lose a larger proportion, with some contracts representing their main endorsement income.
Broader Industry Fallout
The Online Gaming Bill's impact extends beyond cricket. Other sports leagues, especially those in nascent stages like the Future League or esports tournaments, face investment droughts due to the withdrawal of gambling-related sponsorships.
Some fantasy gaming companies are looking to shift their focus overseas, exploring markets with less restrictive regulations. However, the immediate contraction of India’s fantasy gaming economy—a sector valued at over US$1 billion—will deeply impact marketing budgets, player endorsements, and associated media revenue.
What's Next for Indian Cricket?
With Dream11's exit from the lead sponsor role, the BCCI is in a tight spot as the Asia Cup looms starting September 9. The Board must act swiftly to onboard new sponsors to feature on the Indian team's jerseys and maintain revenue streams.
IPL franchises are also scrambling to fill gaps as several of them, including Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad, enjoyed significant inflows from fantasy platforms.
Alternative Avenues
The government’s bill makes a clear distinction between real money gaming and social gaming. Operators are encouraged to promote skill-based games and esports. This opens doors for companies focusing on non-monetary platforms and subscription-based models.
Cricket stars will likely diversify their endorsement portfolio, seeking out brands outside the gaming sector to compensate for losses.
Summary Table of Financial Impact
Entity | Estimated Annual Loss (INR crore) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
BCCI Sponsorships | 125+ | Dream11 and My11Circle major contributors |
Top Indian Players | 150-200 | Mainly from gaming-related deals |
IPL Franchises | Varied (significant) | Some sponsors likely to withdraw |
Fantasy Gaming Industry | Billions (USD) | Losing the Indian user base and revenue |
The enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, marks a transformative moment for Indian cricket and the wider sports economy. While the government prioritises curbing gambling-related harms, the sudden withdrawal of major sponsors like Dream11 challenges cricket's commercial model.
The coming months will be crucial as the BCCI seeks new partnerships, and players adapt to a changed endorsement landscape, while fantasy sports companies explore strategic pivots — ensuring Indian cricket remains financially robust and competitive on the world stage.