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Home Startup News Dream11 parts ways with BCCI as Indian cricket team’s title sponsor after real money gaming ban; BCCI says ‘we are exploring options’

Dream11 parts ways with BCCI as Indian cricket team’s title sponsor after real money gaming ban; BCCI says ‘we are exploring options’

Dream11 had signed a ₹358 crore, three-year deal in July 2023 to replace Byju’s as the Indian cricket team’s main sponsor. The company has also been active in the IPL, with franchise tie-ups and as lead sponsor in 2020 after Vivo’s exit.

By Aryan Sharma
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Dream11 parts ways with BCCI as Indian cricket team’s title sponsor after real money gaming ban; BCCI says ‘we are exploring options’

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed on Monday that the board’s partnership with dream11 has ended, and talks are underway to find a new lead sponsor.

Dream11 had signed a ₹358 crore, three-year deal in July 2023 to replace Byju’s as the Indian cricket team’s main sponsor. The company has also been active in the IPL, with franchise tie-ups and as lead sponsor in 2020 after Vivo’s exit.

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After the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 was passed in Parliament and approved by President Droupadi Murmu, Dream11 announced that it has suspended all money-based gaming contests on its platform.

“Under the new legislation, it will be difficult for BCCI to continue with Dream11 or any other identical gaming companies. So, there is a roadblock and I don't think BCCI will be able to continue with Dream11 now. We are deliberating on an alternative course of action at this stage,” said Saikia.

Dream11 will not face any penalties, as its contract included a clause protecting it if the government banned its core business, meaning it owes nothing to the BCCI.

When asked about a new sponsor ahead of the Men’s T20 Asia Cup (Sept 9–28 in UAE), BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said no decision has been finalized yet, but the board will need an alternative sponsor to fill the vacancy left by Dream11.

“Dream 11 will not be with us anymore, under the new law. So we still have some time, at least 20 days or in fact, just about 15 days. So, if something develops within these 15-20 days, there will be a replacement. Otherwise, we'll see how it will progress over a period of time.”

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Along with Dream11, My11Circle’s deal with the BCCI is also in doubt. Since 2024, the company has been paying ₹125 crore a year to be the official fantasy partner of the IPL, but it may also be forced to shut its money-based gaming business like Dream11.

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