Dream11, MPL, and My11Circle
India’s flourishing fantasy gaming industry and its deep connection to cricket have been rocked by the recently passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The extensive law severely hurts cricket’s financial environment by outlawing real-money games, including fantasy sports, and their marketing.
Withdrawal of Fantasy Firms, BCCI Left Reeling
Cash contests have been discontinued by fantasy sports companies Dream11, MPL, My11Circle, Zupee, and others. Dream11 has also canceled its ₹358 crore jersey sponsorship agreement with the BCCI. The board is rushing to find a new sponsor before the Asia Cup as a result of this abrupt withdrawal.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which was just approved, has upended India’s thriving fantasy gaming sector and its close ties to cricket. The comprehensive rule prohibits real-money games, including fantasy sports, and their promotion, which has a negative financial impact on cricket.
BCCI Withdrew Fantasy Firms, Leaving Reeling
Fantasy sports businesses Dream11, MPL, My11Circle, Zupee, and others have stopped holding cash contests. Additionally, Dream11 terminated its ₹358 crore shirt sponsorship deal with the BCCI. Due to this sudden departure, the board is scrambling to find a new sponsor before the Asia Cup.
The impact’s magnitude varies. The ₹10–12 crore MPL contract is a small portion of Kohli’s income, which reaches up to ₹150 crore annually for endorsements. Additionally, Rohit and Dhoni’s ₹6-7 crore deals are a little setback. Losing a Dream11 or My11 Circle partnership, however, results in a 33% reduction in endorsement revenue for athletes like Siraj and Washington Sundar, who each worked with just three brands. It might be a complete annihilation for peripheral players with only one sponsor.
broader effects on the cricket economy
The influence of the measure extends beyond specific cricket players. The first domino to fall is Dream11’s decision to no longer sponsor Team India’s jerseys. With three years, My11 Circle, an associate IPL sponsor, gives the BCCI ₹125 crore a year.
abrupt cessation of cricket players’ earnings
There will be alternatives for BCCI and brands. However, the new law marks the sudden end of one of the cricket players’ easy ways to make money in India. Younger stars may see their wages cut in half overnight, but players like Rohit and Kohli can withstand the loss.
The measure restricts financial transactions connected to these platforms in addition to banning advertisements. Offenders risk fines of up to ₹1 crore or imprisonment for up to three years. Online games will be regulated and categorized by a new national authority, which will also handle complaints and enforce adherence.
