Dream11 Joins the list of BCCI Team Sponsors to face a ban and Legal Trouble

With the passing of the new Online Gaming Bill in Parliament, fresh sponsorship trouble has emerged for the Indian cricket team’s jersey. The law has put fantasy gaming platforms under a direct ban, and Dream11 is the current lead sponsor of Team India, which now finds itself in the middle of this setback.

This is not the first time India’s iconic jersey has seen such disruption. Over the years, several companies have proudly placed their logos on the national kit, only to run into financial or legal trouble later. What once seemed like a golden opportunity often turned into a burden, giving rise to the belief that the Indian jersey has been carrying a sponsorship jinx.

A History of Troubles Sponsors

Sahara India(2001-2013)

One of the longest-running sponsors of Team India, the group eventually faced major regulatory and financial hurdles that affected its operations.

Star India(2014-2017)

After Sahara, Star India, the broadcasting giant, took over as the jersey sponsor. Although their association boosted visibly but the group ended its sponsorship earlier than the expected time with questions raised around commercial sustainability and ended the sponsorship with the team.

Oppo (2017-2020)

The Chinese smartphone brand made a name by acquiring sponsorship rights at a record amount. But rising costs and market pressures forced Oppo to withdraw midway, transferring its sponsorship rights to Byju’s in a cost-cutting move.

Byju’s (2020-2023)

The edtech giant, after Oppo, acquired the sponsorship and enjoyed strong visibility during India’s biggest tournaments, but soon, financial troubles hit the company. Reports of delayed payments and disputes with the BCCI soured the relationship, and then Byju’s pulled out before the original contract expired.

Dream11(2023-2025)

Dream11 entered as the lead sponsor in 2023, riding on the growing popularity of fantasy cricket. But with the Online Gaming Bill banning cash-based contests, the company’s future in India is now in jeopardy. The ban effectively forces Dream11 to halt its key business model and also puts the sponsorship under serious threat.

The Sponsorship jinx and what Lies ahead

Every sponsor that has taken over the front of India’s jersey has faced challenges far beyond cricket. For Sahara, it was regulatory hurdles, for Oppo and Byju’s financial, and now for Dream11, it’s legal and moral restrictions. The recurring troubles have created a perception that Team India’s jersey is jinxed and whoever takes on as a sponsor is set to face trouble, making it a troubled investment. 

With the Asia Cup 2025 around the corner, the BCCI may soon be forced to look for yet another sponsor. While fans would look for the team’s performances but the Indian jersey’s off-field sponsorship journey seems to take a major hit with the new online gaming bill.