In India cricket is the only way that brands can promote themselves to a large audience. Which means sponsorships from brands means a lot to teams and brands as well. Because it gives funds and support to the game and in return they successfully make their reach to a larger audience on both national and international level. But sometimes, even the biggest deals get cancelled due to sudden circumstances.
That’s what happened with the Dream11 BCCI sponsorship deal, worth a massive ₹358 crore. It collapsed almost overnight, leaving fans and the cricket board shocked.
What Was the Dream11 BCCI Sponsorship Deal?
Dream11, which is one of the most famous fantasy sports platforms among audiences, became India’s official jersey sponsor in 2023. In this sponsorship Dream11 made a deal with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) of ₹358 crore. This was one of the most expensive deals in Indian sports history that has ever been made. Every time when Indian Team play at the field the logo clearly gets highlighted which can be seen by a large audience.
The deal gave Dream11 unmatched visibility, while BCCI earned money that helped fund cricket development at every level. It looked like a win-win. But by mid-2025, the partnership faced serious trouble.
Why Did the Sponsorship Collapse?
The collapse was linked to new government rules. The Online Gaming Bill 2025 banned fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 from advertising or sponsoring events. Since the Dream11 sponsorship deal with the BCCI directly involved jersey branding, it became illegal under the new law.
The BCCI had little choice. Dream11 could no longer continue as sponsor, even though the contract was still active. Both sides agreed to end the deal before the Asia Cup. This was the latest example of how BCCI sponsorship issues often come from sudden legal or policy changes.
Why Is This a Major Issue?
The end of this deal was a clear case of an Indian cricket sponsorship collapse. Here’s why it mattered so much:
- Financial loss – BCCI lost a massive ₹358 crore deal that was supposed to run longer.
- Urgency – With big tournaments around the corner, the team suddenly had no sponsor on the jersey.
- Market shock – Brands and advertisers realized how quickly rules can change, even in cricket.
For Dream11, it was also a setback. They had invested heavily in Indian cricket, only to be forced out due to legal restrictions.
BCCI Sponsorship Issues Are Not New
This is not the first time Indian cricket has faced sponsorship drama. In the past, Sahara, Star India, and BYJU’S all ended deals earlier than expected. Each time, the reasons were different -financial stress, branding changes, or legal issues.
The Dream11 BCCI sponsorship deal collapse added a new twist: regulation. It showed that government policies can be just as big a factor as money when it comes to cricket sponsorships.
Who Will Replace Dream11?
With Dream11 out, the jersey remained without a sponsor. and now several names are being discussed:
- Toyota, a global auto brand, has shown interest.
- Tata Group, already an IPL sponsor, could step in.
- Reliance (Jio), with strong ties to cricket, is another contender.
- Adani and Mahindra are also being mentioned.
- Fintech startups like Groww and Zerodha could also bid.
Whoever takes over will not just be replacing Dream11 but also inheriting the massive visibility that comes with sponsoring Team India.
What Fans Think
For fans, the logo on the jersey is part of the team’s identity. Many still remember Sahara’s long sponsorship run or Star’s bold branding. When Dream11 took over, it marked a new era. Its sudden exit left many surprised and even disappointed. Fans now wait to see which brand becomes the new face of Indian cricket.
What This Means for the Future
The Dream11 sponsorship deal BCCI collapse highlights one big truth: cricket sponsorship is never completely secure. Deals can fall apart due to money issues, company strategy, or even government rules.
For the BCCI, it is a reminder to diversify revenue streams so that sudden changes don’t create financial stress. For brands, it is proof that high visibility also comes with high risks.
Final Word
The ₹358-crore Dream11 BCCI sponsorship deal was one of the biggest in Indian cricket. Yet it collapsed overnight because of new gaming laws. The sudden end created headlines, left the team sponsor-less, and forced BCCI to look for new partners.
This Indian cricket sponsorship collapse shows that even the strongest deals can break under outside pressure. As BCCI works to fix its sponsorship issues, the big question remains: which brand will step in to replace Dream11 and become the next name on India’s jersey?
