Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and more to lose big amount of money after online gaming ban - Report

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to lose big amount of money. (Photo: BCCI)

One of the most important economic choices in cricket history will likely be the Indian government's recent prohibition on real-money gaming through the Online Gaming Bill. From the biggest names in cricket to the emerging leagues throughout the world that were funded by these gambling corporations, this decision will have an impact on every aspect of the cricket ecosystem.

Since Dream11, My11Circle, and other competitors have become essential to the top-tier operations of cricket, Dream11's decision to stop sponsoring the Indian national team's jersey is only the beginning of the gap that will remain in the cricket economy. This also includes agreements with the IPL, the world's most lucrative cricket competition, and specifically as sponsors of some of the biggest names in the game under the BCCI's auspices.

Also Read - India's probable 11 for Asia Cup: Shubman Gill in, Sanju Samson out; Jasprit Bumrah to lead pace attack

Following the ban, Cricbuzz reported that several Indian players will face financial hardship as a result of these corporations' anticipated decision to abandon cricket and shift their focus elsewhere. Advertisements featuring their favorite players promoting fantasy gaming websites during cricket events and the Indian Premier League may be recognizable to fans. These advertisements and promotions are so valuable that it is anticipated that Indian cricket players would lose between 150 and 200 crore Indian rupees overall.

These will include players like Virat Kohli, who receives 10–12 crore a year from his MPL contract, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni, who receive 6-7 crore each from Dream 11 and Winzo. The younger players, who receive up to 1 crore a year from these corporations, will lose out on a significant amount of their endorsement deals, but these previous Indian captains will have their pick of endorsements.

Also Read - Wasim Akram's message for fans ahead of India-Pakistan Asia Cup match: 'If Indians are patriotic…’

“For some other players, it effectively wipes out their entire endorsement income as these companies were the only brands on their roster,” according to the Cricbuzz report, this amounts to a loss of one-third of the endorsements of players like Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar.

On a broader scale, it is anticipated that this bill will significantly affect all leagues. This week, the European Cricket Network also halted operations due to the financial outlay necessary to maintain its affiliate relationships with Indian gaming organizations.

The IPL won't have much trouble making up the 125 crore rupees that they reportedly lose each year as a result of their agreement with My11 Circle, but leagues that rely on gaming businesses as their main sponsors may not be able to do the same.

The prohibition on online gaming will also have an impact on the advertising sector. According to sources, the market is expected to suffer, with online gaming accounting for about 7-8% of the market. Elara Capital vice-president Karan Taurani estimates that this amounts to Rs 8,000 to 10,000 crore annually, a staggering amount that also accounts for 15-20% of the digital advertising market.

“Their brand value and income are bound to decline. While players endorse multiple products, the real money gaming segment contributed significantly to their endorsement revenue, which could drop by 20-25 percent,” Taurani predicted that some of the most well-liked celebrities in the country would experience a significant upturn.