The roar of the crowd, the nail-biting finishes, and the strategic brilliance of team selection – daily fantasy sports has become an integral part of the Indian sporting landscape. In India, tournaments the Indian Premier League (IPL) see the highest traffic and volume of fantasy sports players, with the March-May period being the peak cricketing season in India.
Currently underway is the IPL 2025 season but once it’s concluded, the question on every enthusiast’s mind is: “What’s next?” The future of fantasy cricket and the broader fantasy sports industry in India looks brighter than ever, with technological advancements, evolving user preferences, new features and products, and an overall growing appetite for immersive sports experiences driving the change.
Global trends, local impact
Globally, fantasy sports is undergoing a significant transformation. We’re witnessing the rise of daily fantasy sports (DFS), innovative scoring systems, and the integration of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance user engagement. These trends are obviously permeating the Indian market as well. While cricket remains the dominant force, other sports like football, kabaddi, hockey, and basketball are gaining traction.
The Indian market, however, has a unique dynamic. The sheer passion for cricket, combined with the widespread smartphone penetration and affordable data plans, has created a fertile ground for fantasy cricket apps. According to a report by the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) and Deloitte India, the Indian fantasy sports market is projected to reach a staggering $5 billion by the end of 2025. This explosive growth underscores the immense potential of this sector.
Beyond IPL 2025: Calendar of cricket and more
Most fantasy cricket players come alive only during the IPL season each year. However, the period between IPL 2025 and IPL 2026 will be packed with exciting tournaments, offering ample opportunities for fantasy sports enthusiasts. Take a look at some of the marquee sporting events to watch out for in fantasy sports over the next year or so:
- ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026: This global spectacle will undoubtedly be a major draw, attracting millions of users to fantasy platforms. Especially after India’s win in the last event (T20 World Cup 2024), we expect a massive inflow of new users.
- Several bilateral series: Numerous bilateral series involving the Indian cricket team will keep the excitement alive throughout the year.
- Indian Domestic Cricket: Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy will provide opportunities for fans to engage with domestic talent.
- Pro Kabaddi League (PKL): The PKL’s growing popularity will translate into increased participation in fantasy kabaddi. This happens to be the most followed sporting league in India after the IPL.
- Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL): After the IPL, the TNPL is the most followed domestic T20 league in India, and the TNPL dates have been set between 15 Jun to 30 Jul 2025.
- Indian Super League (ISL): Football’s increasing popularity in India will also increase the fantasy football players. A little better marketing of this league will help see more fantasy football players in India too.
These tournaments, coupled with the ongoing development of innovative fantasy sports platforms, will ensure that the momentum generated by IPL 2025 continues unabated. In the last year itself, many fantasy sports apps introduced player and opinion trading, 5 and 6-player fantasy contests, season-long fantasy contests, and much more.
Technological innovations, user engagement
Engagement is one of the main reasons for fantasy sports doing well in India. Now, the future of fantasy sports India hinges on technological innovation. While there are several competing apps at the top like Dream11, MyTeam11, My11Circle, Vision11, Kubera Fantasy, and more, innovation is what will set them apart. Here are some key trends we can expect going forward:
- AI and machine learning: Predictive analytics powered by AI will offer users deeper insights into player performance and team strategies. Past player performances may help you pick better teams, while forecasting can be done based on scoring in previous games as well.
- Blockchain and NFTs: The integration of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) will create unique digital assets and enhance user ownership. As of now, there’s a legality battle when it comes to the crypto universe in India, but we believe there will be breakthroughs very soon.
- Live streaming and in-play fantasy: Real-time streaming and in-play fantasy formats will provide a more immersive and engaging experience. For example, Dream11 has already allowed in-game streaming of IPL 2025 matches while watching your fantasy scorecard for any particular game.
- Personalized experiences: Platforms will leverage user data to deliver personalized content, recommendations, and rewards. Play more, earn more kind of VIP programs may emerge at rapid speeds going forward.
- Esports and fantasy sports crossover: There is an increasing popularity for Esports in India and a blend of Esports mechanics within fantasy sports platforms is something we could start seeing very soon.
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Future industry growth:
- Rapid market expansion: The Indian fantasy sports market is expected to reach ₹1,65,000 crore by FY25, exhibiting a CAGR of 38% from ₹34,600 crore in FY21. Revenue is further expected to increase to ₹253 billion by FY27, as per an industry overview by Dream11.
- Increased user base: This growth is fueled by a young population, increased smartphone usage, and a strong passion for sports. Dream11 and other top apps like My11Circle are now partnering with IPL and the ICC, which means added global recognition.
- Accessibility: Easy-to-use mobile apps and websites have significantly contributed to the increased participation.
- Beyond cricket: While cricket dominates, users are showing increased interest in other sports like fantasy hockey, fantasy kabaddi, and fantasy football, diversifying the market.
- Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities: Increasing digital literacy and smartphone/internet usage in smaller cities are driving growth. It’s not uncommon to see auto rickshaw drivers and waiters in restaurants also selecting their fantasy teams before a big match.
- Regulatory improvements: Changes in regulations and the listing of skill-based real-money fantasy sports games on platforms like Google Play Store are improving the gaming experience and increase user participation. Earlier, any real-money gaming apps were not allowed to be listed on the Play Store.
Responsible gaming and regulatory framework
As the fantasy sports industry grows, the need for a robust regulatory framework becomes paramount. Ensuring responsible gaming practices and protecting user interests are crucial for sustainable growth. The industry is moving towards self-regulation and advocating for clear guidelines. Federations like AIGF (All-India Gaming Federation) and FIFS (Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports) are helping us forward in this direction.
FAQs on fantasy sports India
Q. What is the future of fantasy sports in India?
Ans. The future of fantasy sports in India is very bright, driven by increasing smartphone penetration, cheaper data, and a heavy passion for sports, particularly cricket. Technological advancements will further enhance user engagement. The industry is also moving towards a more structured regulatory environment, ensuring responsible growth.
Q. How big is the fantasy sports industry in India?
Ans. Fantasy sports apps in India are experiencing rapid growth. According to the report by FIFS and Deloitte India, the market is projected to reach a value of $5 billion by 2025. This growth is fueled by the popularity of cricket and the increasing adoption of digital platforms.
Q. Is fantasy sports legal in India?
Ans. In India, there’s a constant debate of the legality of ‘Games of luck vs games of chance’. Games like fantasy sports have been considered as a game of skill by the central government, which makes is 100% legal in India.
For more updates on the Indian fantasy sports industry, stay tuned to ReadScoops.com…
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