New Delhi, August 25, 2025: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today officially ended its association with fantasy sports platform Dream11, leaving the Indian cricket team without a title sponsor just two weeks before the Asia Cup in the UAE.
The decision follows the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, in both Houses of Parliament last Thursday.
BCCI Confirms Exit
Confirming the development, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said:
“BCCI and Dream11 are discontinuing their relationship after the passage of the Online Gaming Bill. The board will ensure not to partner with such organisations in the future.”
According to officials, Dream11 executives recently met BCCI CEO Hemang Amin in Mumbai and conveyed their inability to continue sponsorship under the new regulatory framework. The board is now preparing to float a fresh tender to secure a new title sponsor.
Contract Clause Protects Dream11
An official clarified that Dream11’s exit is unlikely to attract penalties due to a contractual clause. The agreement specified that if a sponsor’s core business was impacted by changes in Indian law, they would not be liable to make further payments to the BCCI.
Dream11’s Cricketing Footprint
Dream11, founded 18 years ago and currently valued at $8 billion, became the Indian team’s lead sponsor in July 2023 with a ₹358 crore three-year deal, replacing edtech firm Byju’s.
Beyond the national team, Dream11 has had a significant presence in cricket:
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IPL: Partnered with several top players including MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah; also served as IPL trophy sponsor in 2020 after Vivo’s exit.
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Global Leagues: Official fantasy partner of the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), title sponsor of Super Smash (New Zealand), and associated with Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) and Women’s BBL.
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ICC Partnership: Partnered with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2018.
Beyond Cricket
Dream11 has also invested heavily in other sports, serving as the official fantasy partner of the Indian Super League (football), Pro Kabaddi League, and the International Hockey Federation.
What’s Next for Team India?
With the Asia Cup fast approaching, the Indian team will enter the continental tournament without a front-of-shirt sponsor unless the BCCI secures a quick replacement. A new tender process is expected to be initiated in the coming days.
