The Indian government’s recent The Promotion and Regulation Bill 2025 has banned real-money games, shaking up cricket’s financial ecosystem. The ban led to Dream11, the Indian cricket team’s jersey sponsor since 2023, pulling out from their INR 358 crore sponsorship deal with the BCCI. This step marks a major shift in cricket sponsorship, as real-money gaming companies were crucial backers of players and tournaments.
The rise and fall of a lucrative partnership
The online gaming industry had become a central pillar of India’s cricketing landscape, both at the team level and for individual players. For years, these companies poured massive amounts of money into advertising and endorsements, making them the “chief oxygen supplier” for the sport’s commercial side. Dream11’s decision to pull out as the jersey sponsor for the Indian team just ahead of the Asia Cup marks the most significant consequence of the new law. Before this, real-money gaming companies were a vital part of the cricketing arena, with their logos visible everywhere from team jerseys to television advertisements.
Player endorsements and earnings from real-money gaming
- Virat Kohli (MPL): Virat Kohli’s contract with MPL was valued at around INR 10-12 crore annually, making it one of the highest in the segment and a big part of his endorsement portfolio.
- Rohit Sharma (Dream11): Signed with Dream11, Rohit’s deal reportedly earned him INR 6-7 crore per year, marking a significant slice of his total endorsements.
- MS Dhoni (Winzo): MS Dhoni was associated with Winzo and similarly drew close to INR 6-7 crore annually from gaming brand endorsements.
- Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik and Krunal Pandya (Dream11): These star players had sponsorship deals with Dream11, estimated at figures ranging from INR 3-6 crore.
- Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rinku Singh, Sourav Ganguly (My11 Circle): All linked to My11 Circle, earning them roughly INR 1-3 crore each from endorsements.
- Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar: Both had multiple brand deals, with Siraj’s My11 Circle association alone accounting for a 33% cut in his endorsement income following the ban.
Also READ: Dream11 exits as Team India’s sponsor; BCCI eyes new deal before Asia Cup 2025
Indian cricketers face INR 150-200 crore loss due to real-money gaming ban
According to Cricbuzz report, the collective loss for Indian cricketers due to terminated contracts with real-money gaming companies is estimated between INR 150-200 crore annually. For top players, this accounts for about 5-10% of endorsement income, while for emerging players, it could be a complete loss. The ban not only disrupts cricket’s sponsorship landscape but also threatens the livelihoods supported by these endorsements, prompting a shift toward new brand partnerships in coming years.
Also READ: After Dream11’s exit, Toyota among front-runners for Team India’s Asia Cup 2025 sponsorship
