Online Gaming Bill 2025 puts BCCI-Dream11 Sponsorship at Risk

The Board of Control for Cricket in India(BCCI) is entering a period of uncertainty ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, following the passage of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025. The new laws ban all real-money gaming platforms in India, which directly impacts Team India’s current jersey sponsor, Dream11, as well as other fantasy platforms like My11Circle. With the Asia Cup 2025 approaching, the board is preparing for possible changes in its sponsorship structure.

Impact of Online Gaming Ban 2025 on BCCI and Dream11 Sponsorship

Dream11, which signed a three-year deal worth ₹358 crore in 2023, has been the official sponsor of both India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams. The company pays around ₹120 crore annually to display its branding on the national jerseys. With the new law in place, there is now a possibility that the partnership may end sooner than planned. My11Circle, which holds IPL fantasy rights in a four-year deal worth ₹625 crore, may also be affected.

BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia clarified the board’s stance, emphasizing that the BCCI will fully comply with the law. “Once the act comes into force, we will look into it, examine it, and if permissible, then we will take sponsorship from online gaming companies. If not, we will not do anything,” Saikia told the Times of India. He added that the BCCI has previously avoided sponsorship from companies in restricted categories like alcohol and tobacco once bans were imposed, signaling a similar approach here.

While the Board awaits the presidential assent of the law, it may temporarily continue with Dream11 branding, possibly until the end of the Asia Cup. Sources suggest that the BCCI is considering new sponsors, including large corporations like Tata, Jio, Adani, or newer-age brands such as Zerodha. In addition to sponsorship issues, India’s cricketing ties with Pakistan remain restricted; the government allows participation only in multi-nation tournaments under the National Governance Law, 2025. This means Team India will face Pakistan in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE on September 14, while bilateral series in India remain banned.

Saikia stressed that the BCCI will follow government policies in “true letter and spirit,” ensuring both sponsorship agreements and international participation comply with Indian law. As the Asia Cup approaches, cricket fans will be closely watching how the board navigates this situation.