New Delhi – Fantasy sports giant Dream11 has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that it will no longer be able to continue its sponsorship of the Indian cricket team. The decision comes just days after Parliament passed a new law banning real money-based online games across the country.
With the Asia Cup in Dubai just two weeks away, the BCCI is now on the lookout for a new sponsor.
Dream11 Notifies BCCI
According to reports, Dream11 representatives visited the BCCI office and informed CEO Hemang Amin about their decision.
“They won’t be able to continue as sponsors for the Asia Cup. The BCCI will float a new tender soon,” a BCCI official told The Indian Express.
The pullout will not result in any penalties. The sponsorship contract includes a clause that exempts Dream11 from liability if its core business is impacted by government regulations.
Dream11’s Global Presence in Sports
Dream11 has a strong footprint in both Indian and international sports. It has been:
- The official fantasy partner of the Caribbean Premier League.
- Title sponsor of New Zealand’s Super Smash.
- Partner of Australia’s Big Bash League and Women’s Big Bash League.
- A fantasy gaming partner of the International Cricket Council (ICC) since 2018.
In India, Dream11 has been associated with:
- Indian Super League (ISL) in football.
- Pro Kabaddi League.
- International Hockey Federation.
- The National Basketball Association (NBA) also launched its fantasy game on Dream11 in 2017.
Impact of the Online Gaming Bill
The new Online Gaming Bill, passed in Parliament, has forced Dream11 to suspend all paid contests on its platform. The company will now operate only free-to-play online games.
Real-money fantasy gaming was Dream11’s core business model, where users created virtual teams and paid an entry fee to compete for cash prizes based on real match performances.
The government justified the ban by citing:
- Psychological distress and financial loss among players.
- Risks of money laundering and tax evasion.
- Links to financing terrorism and threats to national security and public order.
What’s Next for BCCI?
With Dream11’s exit, the BCCI must quickly find a new sponsor before the Asia Cup. Officials have confirmed that a fresh tender process will begin shortly.
