Fantasy Sports Platform Dream11 Withdraws Sponsorship Following New Online Gaming Law
Fantasy sports platform Dream11 has decided to end its sponsorship of the Indian men’s cricket team just days before the Asia Cup 2025, sources reveal. This move follows the recent passage of the ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025’ in the Indian Parliament, which bans real-money gaming platforms like Dream11.
Dream11’s Withdrawal Linked to New Online Gaming Legislation
- The bill prohibits real-money gaming platforms from sponsoring sports teams in India.
- Dream11 reportedly is unwilling to continue its deal as lead sponsor of Team India.
- No official statements have been released yet by either Dream11 or the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
BCCI to Comply with Government Regulations
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed that the board will adhere strictly to national laws.
“If it’s not permissible, we’ll not do anything. The BCCI will follow every policy of the country that is framed by the central government,” Saikia stated.
New Sponsorship Bids and Asia Cup Preparations
- The BCCI is expected to open fresh bids for the Indian team’s jersey sponsorship rights.
- If no sponsor is secured before the Asia Cup, starting September 9, Team India may play without a lead sponsor.
- Although jerseys featuring Dream11 branding have already been printed for the Asia Cup, they are reportedly not being used for the tournament.
Background: Dream11’s Sponsorship Deal and Asia Cup Details
- Dream11 signed a Rs 358 crore deal with BCCI in 2023, paying Rs 3 crore per home match and Rs 1 crore per away game.
- The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled from September 9 to 28, hosted in the UAE, with matches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- India’s squad includes Suryakumar Yadav as captain and Shubman Gill as vice-captain.
Dream11 has pulled out as Team India’s title sponsor due to new restrictions on real-money gaming platforms. The BCCI will seek new sponsors but may enter the Asia Cup without a lead sponsor if no deal is finalized in time.
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