India’s Online Gaming Ban Puts the Future of National Cricket at Risk

^{In the photo: Devajit Saikia, BCCI Secretary}

On August 21, 2025, India approved a bill that will significantly restrict real-money online gaming. The move has immediately raised concerns within Indian cricket leadership, as two key sponsors in the sector — Dream11 and My11Circle — may lose the ability to operate in their current format. Dream11 remains the country’s largest fantasy platform and a major sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL), while My11Circle holds exclusive rights to run fantasy contests tied to the tournament.

According to The Times of India, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia said the organization will act strictly within the law. As a result, current and future sponsorship deals will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

If Dream11 and My11Circle are forced to scale back operations, the BCCI could lose a significant portion of its revenue — affecting funding for the Indian national team, the organization of international tournaments, and the overall development of cricket in the country.

The loss of these sponsors may also lead to reduced investment in youth programs and infrastructure.

The bill reflects the government’s growing concerns about gambling addiction but simultaneously puts at risk the financial stability of what is arguably the world’s most popular team. India is home to 1.4 billion people, and according to a 2022 BCCI report, 836 million of them are cricket fans — nearly 60% of the country’s population. The BCCI and other stakeholders now face the challenge of balancing compliance with the law and preserving funding for the national team.