IPL 2025 Fantasy Sports Like Dream11, My11Circle Aiming High to Increase Run Rate

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) begins, with ten franchise clubs fighting across 13 locations, another cricket season is heating up in a parallel universe: fantasy sports.  Building on the momentum of the previous several editions of the very popular and profitable cricket league, the fantasy gaming business in India expects its income to increase by 25-30% over 2024, reaching $500-$525 million during IPL 2025.

“India’s fantasy sports market is expanding rapidly, fuelled by the country’s profound love of cricket, growing smartphone penetration, and affordable internet.  While detailed estimates for IPL 2025 are still being developed, projections indicate a revenue increase of 25-30%, with earnings ranging from $500 million to $525 million,” said Roland Landers, CEO of the All India gambling Federation (AIGF), India’s leading industry group for online gambling.

“The IPL has evolved into more than just a cricket event; it is a major engine of growth for the fantasy sports industry.  Every season, we see record-breaking engagement, and IPL 2025 is expected to drive those numbers even higher, as platforms continue to draw millions of new users,” he said.

Related: Here’s How Much Income Tax BCCI Gives from IPL Income, IPL 2025 BCCI Expected Income Tax Return

My11Circle, a leading fantasy gaming site owned by Games24x7, is likewise hopeful about the IPL’s sustained rise this season.  “Last year, we experienced extraordinary growth, with over 50% more teams formed in the first two weeks and a 50% rise in major prize winners.  This IPL, we hope to build on that momentum and strengthen My11Circle’s position in the fantasy sports field,” said Saroj Panigrahi, Games24x7’s chief operating officer.

My11Circle has just signed a co-presenting partnership with JioStar for Tata IPL 2025’s official digital broadcast.  My11Circle is also the official associate partner of Tata IPL, which is in its second year of a five-year partnership with the premier cricket league.

“My11Circle’s five-year agreement as the Tata IPL’s associate partner enables us to capitalise on India’s enormous excitement for cricket by interacting with millions of passionate fans. Our complete 360-degree marketing plan, which includes strategic partnerships both on and off the field, such as TV, internet, and beyond, is intended to magnify our brand and increase user engagement throughout the IPL season,” Panigrahi noted.

India has a large youth population that is technologically savvy and passionate about sports, particularly cricket. “Fantasy sports have provided this audience with a more engaging and immersive way to actively participate in the sport and see their favourite players perform well, taking fan engagement to a whole new level,” said Namratha Swamy, COO of online skill-gaming platform Mobile Premier League (MPL).

The Indian fantasy sports sector generated Rs 9,100 crore in revenue in FY24, accounting for 4% of the worldwide business, according to a report released earlier this year by Deloitte India and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports.  The global market is valued at Rs 2.1 lakh crores.

The sector in India has grown rapidly in recent years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30% between FY22 and FY24.  The report stated that it is likely to reach Rs 12,900 crore by FY29.

Aside from fantasy sports, organizations like MPL are looking for new methods to make gaming more interesting.  Take, for example, Cricket 100X. It provides cricket fans with a new way to interact with the sport, combining strategy with real-world cricket insights that extend beyond live events. “Our goal is to create a complete and secure gaming destination that keeps users entertained year-round,” says Swamy.

Meanwhile, the impact of IPL extends beyond fantasy cricket. The boost in user activity during the IPL also extends to other skill-based games, with multi-gaming platforms reporting improved traction across multiple formats. “Fans who start with IPL often stay engaged with different sports and even explore other competitive gaming experiences, making this more than just a seasonal trend—it’s shaping a broader, year-round gaming ecosystem,” Landers said.