Becoming the front jersey sponsor of the Indian cricket team is one of the biggest prizes in the world of marketing. No other stage can match the reach of cricket in India. Stadiums are filled, and billions of people watch the matches across television and digital platforms. A brand logo on Team India’s chest guarantees unmatched attention.
But history shows that this partnership has often turned into a curse. Almost every company that has held this spot since 2001 has later faced financial troubles, legal fights, or regulatory pressure. The latest sponsor, Dream11, is now also struggling with its own crisis.
Dream11: From fantasy success to uncertain future
Dream11 became India’s leading fantasy sports app by letting fans build virtual teams and earn money based on real match performances. The company joined Team India’s jersey in 2023 at the peak of its growth.
But in August 2025, the Indian Parliament passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which bans all real-money gaming apps. Once signed by the President, this law will block Dream11’s main source of income.
On top of that, Dream11 is already facing a tax demand of ₹1,200 crore over GST disputes, with more investigations expected. This puts their ability to pay for the jersey deal in serious doubt. If the law stays firm, Dream11 may lose not only its business but also the most visible sponsorship in Indian sport.
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A look back at India’s jersey sponsors
Wills: The First Big Sponsor
The journey began in the 1996 World Cup when Wills appeared on India’s first colored jersey. For years, Wills was the face of Indian cricket, sponsoring two World Cups and many other events.
But when the government banned surrogate advertising for tobacco companies, Wills had to leave. Their early exit showed that strict rules could end even the most successful sponsorship.
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Sahara (2001-2013): A 12-year empire crumbles
Sahara’s name became inseparable from Indian cricket for over a decade. For many fans, the blue jersey with the Sahara logo still brings back memories of legends like Tendulkar and Dravid.
But behind the brand’s success was one of India’s largest financial scandals. The group was accused of raising thousands of crores through questionable investor schemes. By 2014, founder Subrata Roy was even jailed, and the partnership that once looked unbreakable ended in disgrace.
Star India (2014-2017): Media power, short-lived shine
When Star India took over, it felt like a perfect match. As the leading broadcaster of cricket with Hotstar’s digital wave, Star had both the money and the reach.
However, competition grew tougher. Investigations into monopoly practices started, and streaming profits were not as strong as expected. Within a few years, Star’s glow dimmed after merging into Jio’s larger media empire, losing the unique identity it once had.
Oppo (2017-2020): The smartphone gamble
Chinese smartphone brand Oppo signed a massive ₹1,079 crore deal in 2017. For a while, every cricket broadcast showed Oppo’s logo in Indian homes.
But the timing worked against them. Patent lawsuits and growing anti-China sentiment in India hurt their image. Despite the heavy investment, Oppo struggled to increase its long-term market share and walked away before its contract ended.
Byju’s (2020-2022): From unicorn to downfall
Byju’s represented the rise of Indian startups. Valued at over $20 billion during the pandemic, the edtech giant seemed unstoppable. Taking the Team India sponsorship was seen as a sign of global ambition.
Yet rapid growth hid deep financial cracks. Losses piled up, payments were missed, and soon courts got involved. By 2023, Byju’s was dragged to the tribunal over unpaid dues. What once symbolized India’s modern success story collapsed into debt and layoffs.
Dream11 (2023-Present): Fantasy in trouble
Dream11 promised a new chapter when it stepped in. Fantasy sports had become hugely popular, and the brand appeared perfectly placed to use cricket’s massive audience.
But with the new gaming ban, the company’s future is now uncertain. Tax disputes, legal troubles, and a shrinking business model threaten its ability to stay as Team India’s sponsor. Unless rules change or Dream11 pivots quickly, the jersey partnership may end like the others before it with more struggle than glory.
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