New Delhi [India]: Fantasy sports platform Dream11 will end its role as the lead sponsor of the Indian cricket team following the passage of the Online Gaming Bill in Parliament last week. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development on Monday, citing the new legislation as the reason.
In 2023, Dream11 had replaced Byju’s as Team India’s lead sponsor, signing a three-year deal with the BCCI after Byju’s contract concluded in March of that year.
Saikia added that the BCCI will avoid engaging with similar organizations in the future. The decision leaves the cricket board searching for a new sponsor ahead of the Asia Cup, which begins on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates.
The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 aims to promote e-sports and online social games while banning online money gaming. The bill was passed by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday and by the Rajya Sabha the following day.
“BCCI and Dream11 are discontinuing their partnership after the Online Gaming Bill. BCCI will ensure not to engage with such organizations in the future,” Saikia told ANI.
President Droupadi Murmu gave her assent to the bill on Friday. The legislation encourages e-sports and online social games while prohibiting online money gaming services, advertisements, and related financial transactions. It bans the offering, operating, or facilitating of online money games, regardless of whether they are based on skill, chance, or both.
The government intends to provide legal recognition and support to e-sports, which previously lacked formal backing. To further promote e-sports, recognized as a legitimate competitive sport in India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will establish a dedicated framework. Online social games will also receive government support.
The government believes the ban will prevent the harms associated with online money gaming, including addiction, financial losses, and extreme consequences such as suicides.
