Image Source: X
What is the future of fantasy cricket in India?: For crores of Indian users playing on fantasy cricket platforms like Dream11 and My11Circle, the way of gaming has now completely changed. The Online Gaming Bill 2025 passed by the Government of India has completely banned real-money gaming, bringing the future of fantasy cricket to a new turn. Let us understand in detail what will be the future of fantasy cricket and online gaming in India after this bill.
Effect of Online Gaming Bill 2025 on Fantasy Cricket
Image Source: X
This new law has brought a big revolution in the Indian gaming industry. The bill divides online games into two categories: E-sports and Real-money games. Fantasy cricket, which involves wagering money, has been classified as 'real-money games'.
- Included in the category of gambling: The government believes that fantasy cricket, in which people invest money to build their team and earn money if they win, is a form of gambling. It puts people at financial risk.
- Stopped money transactions: Following this bill, Dream11 and other such platforms have stopped their 'pay-to-play' contests. This means that now you will not be able to play any fantasy league or win money by paying money.
- Ban on advertisements: Advertisements, promotions and transactions through banks or payment apps related to these games have also been completely banned.
Future of fantasy cricket in India
Image Source: X
Now that the transaction of money has stopped, the future of fantasy cricket can go in two directions:
- Free-to-play Model: Fantasy cricket platforms can now completely shift to the 'free-to-play' model. This means that players will be able to play the game without any money. In this, the winners can get gadgets, merchandise or virtual coins used in the app as a reward, but no real money will be received.
- Subscription-based Model: Some platforms can adopt the subscription model. In this, users will have to pay a monthly or annual fee to play the game. However, there will be no monetary reward for winning in this too, as it would be against the law. This model will focus on providing entertainment to the audience, not on earning money.
Also Read: Team India Jersey Curse, A list of sponsors who went bust
Impact on Indian cricket
Image Source: X
Dream11 has been the title sponsor of the Indian cricket team and platforms like My11Circle have been partners of IPL. Indian cricket used to get a huge amount of revenue from these companies. After this ban:
- Sponsorship crisis: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and other cricket leagues will now have to look for new sponsors. This can lead to a major reduction in the revenue received by cricket.
- Loss of revenue: With the withdrawal of these companies, the Board of Control for Cricket in India is expected to lose crores of rupees annually.
Also Read: Dream11 Par Ban Kyun Laga? Iska Future Kya Hai?, Online Gaming Bill 2025
What will be the impact on people?
Image Source: X
This ban will not only affect companies, but also millions of people who used to see fantasy cricket as a hobby or a means of earning money.
Stopped the way to earn money: Many people used to consider fantasy cricket as a way to earn some extra money using their cricket knowledge. Now this path will be completely closed.
Means of entertainment: For many people, fantasy cricket used to make the experience of watching matches more exciting. Now this entertainment aspect will also be reduced to a great extent.
Freedom from greed for money: The government believes that this step will save many people from gambling addiction and financial risk. Those who used to invest money even after losing repeatedly will now get rid of it.
This change is most important for those who used to see fantasy games as a way to earn money, rather than just entertainment.
Conclusion: What next?
The main objective of the Online Gaming Bill 2025 is to curb gambling and promote e-sports. The government is encouraging skill-based games, which are completely fair and do not involve any risk of money. Therefore, it is possible that the form of fantasy cricket may change in the future. It will now remain just a means of entertainment and testing your cricket knowledge, not a way to earn money. This is a big change that will change the entire ecosystem of fantasy cricket in India.
Also Read: Is Dream11 banned in India? And why? The truth about the Online Gaming Bill 2025
About the Author:
Kaif Ansari
I'm a sports Writer with five years of experience, specializing in cricket and a variety of other sports like football, hockey, badminton, and kabaddi. My journey in sports journalism began in 2021 with Possible11, where I've been contributing ever since. My lifelong passion for cricket, ignited by a childhood dream of becoming a cricketer, fuels my writing. While the playing field wasn't my destiny, I found my calling in sharing the thrill of the game through words. I'm a dedicated CSK fan, and my favorite players are Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni.
Beyond the world of sports, I'm also deeply immersed in internet culture, movies, games, and technology. I enjoy creating content that explores these diverse interests, offering unique perspectives and insights. Whether it's breaking down the latest tech trends, diving deep into cinematic universes, or dissecting game strategies, I love to share my enthusiasm with a wider audience.
