Kohli, Rohit Face ₹100-200 Crore Loss After Fantasy Apps Ban
The ban on real-money gaming hits Indian cricket hard, with players and IPL franchises losing major sponsorship income
Indian cricket is bracing for one of its toughest financial blows in recent memory. The government’s decision to ban real-money gaming has not only forced Dream11 out as Team India’s jersey sponsor but also shaken the foundation of the sport’s economy.
The ripple effect is massive. From superstar players losing crores in brand deals to IPL teams scrambling to replace lost sponsors, the financial dent is expected to run into INR 8,000–10,000 crore every year, according to Cricbuzz.
Cricketers Hit Hard In Endorsements
For the past few years, fantasy gaming companies were among the biggest spenders on cricketers. Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik and Krunal Pandya were regular faces of Dream11 ads.
Shubman Gill, Mohammed Siraj, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh and Sourav Ganguly worked with My11 Circle. Virat Kohli endorsed MPL, while MS Dhoni promoted Winzo.
Now, all those contracts are gone. Cricketers collectively stand to lose INR 150–200 crore each year in endorsements.
Stars like Kohli may not feel the impact much, but for players like Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar, fantasy sponsorships made up nearly one-third of their brand earnings.
IPL Teams And Leagues Lose Sponsors
The ban has also hit the IPL ecosystem. My11 Circle was paying the BCCI INR 125 crore annually as an associate sponsor. With three years still left in the deal, that money is gone.
Franchises like KKR, LSG and SRH, who received INR 10–20 crore a year from fantasy brands, will now need fresh partnerships.
Smaller leagues, such as the Legends League and state-level tournaments, may find it difficult to survive without these sponsors.
Experts Warn Of A Bigger Shock
Advertising experts say the damage will go beyond cricket. Karan Taurani of Elara Capital explained that real-money gaming companies contributed nearly 8 percent of the advertising market. With most of that now gone, digital ad spends will also shrink by 15–20 percent.
He added that cricketers’ endorsement income could fall by 20–25 percent. “This was a big source of money for players. With that gone, brand value and income are bound to decline,” Taurani said.
The Government’s Stand
The government has justified the ban, pointing to rising complaints from citizens losing money daily on such apps.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi backed the law, saying it would protect society from the “harmful effects of online money games.”
The law blocks these platforms, bans their ads and tightens payment channels. Violators face up to three years in jail and fines of INR 1 crore.
