India's cricket economy to face a INR70-billion blow due to ban on money-based online games

India’s cricket economy is likely to face an estimated INR70 billion financial blow after the Central Government banned money-based online games, particularly fantasy sports, a category that had become the single-biggest source of sports advertising.

- BY S VENKAT NARAYAN

Industry executives said the sudden collapse of gaming ad spends would hit broadcasters, streaming platforms, and rights holders who had come to rely on fantasy sports companies as their most aggressive backers. The sponsorship market is already under strain due to the government decision.

BCCI’s INR3.58-billion agreement with Dream11 as Team India’s lead sponsor has come to an abrupt end, while a INR6.25-billion deal with My11Circle for the IPL (Indian Premier League) is on the verge of cancellation since the new law also bars money-based games from advertising.

Following Dream11’s exit, the BCCI faces the prospect of going without a sponsor for the upcoming Asia Cup starting September 9. It is already in the market for a replacement and is targeting INR4.52 billion from a new deal for the 2025-28 cycle.