The ban on real-money online gaming in India is set to deal a major financial blow to leading cricketers, with industry reports estimating losses of ₹150–200 crore annually. Players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni are among those most affected, as their endorsement deals with gaming companies come to an end.
Kohli, who had a long-term association with Mobile Premier League (MPL), is expected to lose nearly ₹10–12 crore per year. Similarly, Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni could see annual earnings fall by ₹6–7 crore each from terminated contracts with platforms such as Dream11 and Winzo.
The impact stretches beyond individual players. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has already lost Dream11 as its title sponsor, while IPL franchises including Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, and Sunrisers Hyderabad may each face sponsorship losses in the range of ₹10–20 crore.
Advertising experts estimate that the departure of gaming firms could reduce cricket-linked sponsorship and endorsement revenue by ₹8,000–10,000 crore per year. Fantasy gaming previously accounted for nearly 15–20% of digital ad spending in India, making its sudden exit a significant setback for the sports economy.
Analysts suggest that cricket bodies and players may now turn toward consumer goods, fintech, automobile, and technology sectors to make up for the shortfall. The transition, however, is expected to take time as companies adjust to the new regulatory environment.
Sunrisers Hyderabad endured a tough outing as they suffered an 82-run defeat to Gujarat Titans, while skipper Pat Cummins was fined ₹12 lakh for a slow over-rate offence, compounding the team’s misery.
May 12, 2025, when India bid farewell to one of its biggest Test cricketers as Virat Kohli announced his retirement from the longest format. One year later, fans still miss his passion and presence in whites.
Axar Patel and David Miller turned out to be champions for Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala and kept their IPL 2026 playoff hopes alive with a sensational win against Punjab Kings.
The IPL 2026 match between the RCB and the Mumbai Indians proved to be most thrilling match of the season.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and many other big names are likely to miss Australia series against Pakistan, prioritizing IPL 2026 playoffs.
.jpeg)
Virat Kohli has played 34 innings against MI and averages 32.40 against them with a strike rate of 128.
The IPL 2026 playoff race is heating up as the Chennai Super Kings and Lucknow Super Giants prepare for a crucial clash in Chennai this Sunday. Both teams are desperate for a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
with Shreyas Iyer emerging as the frontrunner for the role
The duo had earlier shared the dressing room while representing Lucknow Super Giants during the 2023 and 2024 IPL seasons
.jpeg)
Asked to bat, LSG posted 209/3, powered by Marsh’s blistering 111 off 56 balls, an innings studded with nine fours and nine sixes
US has paused Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz for now, as talks with Ira...
Governor presented citations to several outstanding units of the Army, Assam Rif...
Pune Tourist Rescued Following 150-Foot Plunge at Sinhagad Fort While Taking Pho...
Twin Blasts Near Military Establishments Put Punjab on High Alert
