Fantasy sports apps have changed the way fans enjoy cricket with Dream11 being the most popular name for many years. After the Online Gaming Bill 2025 came into effect real-money fantasy contests are no longer allowed in India. This does not mean that these apps have disappeared. Most of them have shifted to free to play models social gaming formats and esports competitions.
Fans can still use these platforms to play cricket and other sports like football, basketball and kabaddi without cash stakes. These apps now focus on practice contests in app rewards or esports tournaments, making them safe while still engaging.
In this blog, we are listing the 11 top apps like Dream11 in 2025 and explaining how each has adapted under the new rules and what makes them worth trying.
Best Fantasy Cricket Apps Like Dream11
With the new Online Gaming Bill 2025 in place, all real-money fantasy contests have been stopped in India. These apps still exist but now run as free-to-play platforms, esports hubs, or social gaming apps.
| App name | Current Features & Status | Sign up Bonus (2025) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPL | Real-money games stopped. Focus on esports and free play. | No cash bonus, free-to-play only | Here |
| My11Circle | Paid contests discontinued. Operating in free mode. | No cash bonus, practice play | Here |
| Howzat | Now fully free-to-play with non-cash rewards. | In-app rewards only | Here |
| MyTeam11 | Shifted to practice contests, no entry fees. | No bonus available | Here |
| Gamezy | Fantasy section suspended, restructuring ongoing. | Cash rewards discontinued | Here |
| BalleBaazi | Free-to-play contests and casual formats. | In-app non-cash rewards | Here |
| Paytm FG | Shut down real-money games, social games only. | Referral bonuses ended | Here |
| Vision11 | Removed money contests, free-play model now. | No cash bonus | Here |
| PlayerzPot | Operating as free casual gaming platform. | Referral bonus discontinued | Here |
| LeagueX | Money-based contests stopped, scaled down. | No active bonus | Here |
| 11Wickets | Free-to-play only, workforce reduced. | Cash bonuses discontinued | Here |
Top 11 Fantasy Cricket Apps Similar To Dream11 (2025)
The Online Gaming Bill 2025 has transformed India’s fantasy sports industry. Real-money contests are no longer legal, which means apps like Dream11 and its competitors have shifted towards free-to-play gaming, practice-based contests, casual games, and esports formats. Here’s how the top alternatives to Dream11 stand in 2025.
1. MPL (Mobile Premier League)
MPL was one of India’s fastest-growing gaming platforms, with fantasy cricket, rummy, and a wide variety of casual games. After the new law, it has suspended all money-based games in India and redirected its efforts towards free-to-play formats and overseas markets. While MPL remains huge globally, its Indian operations no longer generate revenue from paid contests.
With strong investor backing and an expanding user base, MPL has become a key player in the fantasy and casual gaming space. Platforms tracking the Indian sports tech ecosystem have even listed MPL ranked as top sports startups for its innovation and impact. This highlights how the fantasy gaming industry continues to evolve with homegrown success stories.
Pros:
- Offers a wide variety of casual and esports titles even in free mode.
- Strong brand recognition and trusted platform.
Cons:
- Fantasy cricket contests with cash prizes no longer exist in India.
- The focus on international markets means Indian users may see limited updates.
2. My11Circle
My11Circle became famous with its “Beat the Expert” contests and endorsements from cricket legends. Following the law, the app has discontinued paid fantasy cricket leagues and shifted to a free-to-play model. Users can still play contests for fun, but winnings no longer include cash rewards.
Pros:
- Still offers private leagues and practice-based contests.
- Retains strong brand presence thanks to celebrity endorsements.
Cons:
- No real-money prizes or bonuses anymore.
- Smaller contests may feel less competitive without monetary stakes.
3. Howzat
Howzat quickly adapted to the Online Gaming Bill by updating its terms of service. Today, all contests are free-to-play, and any rewards earned within the app have no real-world monetary value. Despite this change, its user-friendly interface and variety of match formats keep it popular among casual cricket fans.
Pros:
- Simple design, making it easy for beginners.
- Multiple contest formats still available in free mode.
Cons:
- Rewards are only in-app, not convertible to money.
- Less appeal for users who previously played for cash prizes.
4. MyTeam11
MyTeam11 was known for its frequent contests and unique features like “Batting Challengers.” After the law, it has stopped all promotional cash offers and transitioned to practice-only fantasy gaming. Users can still draft teams and compete, but without the cash pool element.
Pros:
- Still offers a variety of game formats for fantasy cricket fans.
- Large user base ensures contests remain active.
Cons:
- Competition may feel less rewarding without prize pools.
- Lack of bonuses or referral rewards reduces incentives.
5. Gamezy
Gamezy, part of Gameskraft, has been deeply impacted by the new bill and an ongoing tax dispute. The fantasy sports section has been suspended, and the app is now focusing on casual and skill-based games. For cricket lovers, this means fewer options, but casual gamers can still enjoy its broader game collection.
Pros:
- Diverse range of casual and skill-based games still available.
- Clean interface with good usability.
Cons:
- Fantasy cricket contests have been removed entirely.
- Uncertainty around future plans due to restructuring.
6. BalleBaazi
BalleBaazi was once popular for its smooth interface and strong customer support. In 2025, it continues to operate but only in a free-to-play format, removing all cash-based contests. It now focuses on keeping users engaged with practice games and in-app activities.
Pros:
- Still provides a reliable and easy-to-use platform.
- Good for casual play and practice-based leagues.
Cons:
- No financial rewards, limiting excitement for long-time users.
- Smaller community compared to Dream11 or MPL.
7. Paytm First Games
As part of the Paytm ecosystem, Paytm First Games had great integration with digital wallets. However, after the law, it has completely shut down its fantasy and real-money sections, shifting its focus to non-monetary social games. This marks a huge change for a platform once considered a strong Dream11 competitor.
Pros:
- Still benefits from Paytm brand trust and easy app integration.
- Suitable for light, casual gaming.
Cons:
- Fantasy cricket has been discontinued.
- User interest has declined significantly post-ban.
8. Vision11
Vision11 built its identity around multiple sports like cricket, football, and kabaddi. The new regulations forced it to remove money contests, but the app continues with free-to-play contests and multiple formats. It remains a decent option for fans who enjoy building teams just for fun.
Pros:
- Offers fantasy gameplay across multiple sports.
- Flexible formats keep it entertaining.
Cons:
- Smaller player base makes contests less competitive.
- No cash incentives available.
9. PlayerzPot
PlayerzPot was known for its focus on regional leagues and local cricket contests. After the bill, it now works as a free-to-play casual platform, still offering contests but without any money prizes. It continues to attract fans who enjoy local cricket tournaments.
Pros:
- Covers regional leagues often ignored by bigger apps.
- Free contests available for practice play.
Cons:
- Limited appeal compared to major platforms.
- Rewards are no longer meaningful outside the app.
10. LeagueX
LeagueX offered private leagues and multiple contest options across sports. Now, it has ceased all real-money operations and runs only in a scaled-down free-to-play format. It remains active, but with a much smaller user base.
Pros:
- Simple to use, with private league features intact.
- Free contests are still enjoyable for friends and groups.
Cons:
- Low activity levels since the ban.
- No incentives for competitive play.
11. 11Wickets
11Wickets was a fantasy cricket app built around detailed stats and smart team-building features. With the ban, it has ended all cash leagues and reduced its workforce, but it still offers free fantasy cricket and football contests.
Pros:
- Strong focus on cricket data and team-building strategy.
- Free-to-play contests keep the core experience alive.
Cons:
- No sign-up bonuses or monetary prizes.
- Can feel less excited without the reward element.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Fantasy Cricket App Like Dream11 (2025)
Since the Online Gaming Bill 2025 banned real-money contests, fantasy cricket apps now run on free-to-play, practice, or esports-based formats. Choosing the right app depends less on cash rewards and more on the overall experience, engagement, and features. Here are the main factors to keep in mind:
- User Interface and Ease of Use: A smooth and user-friendly interface is still essential. Look for apps with clear menus, easy navigation, and clean visuals. Since these platforms now focus on engagement rather than cash play, design and usability play a bigger role in keeping users interested.
- Variety of Contests and Leagues: Even without money prizes, fantasy apps should offer different contest formats like head-to-head, private leagues with friends, and mega practice contests. This variety helps keep the experience fun and social, especially when you want to compete casually with others.
- Rewards and In-App Benefits: With real-money payouts gone, apps now provide non-cash incentives such as points, badges, or in-app unlocks. Some platforms also integrate esports-style rankings, where you can climb leaderboards and win recognition. Evaluating these features helps you pick an app that keeps you motivated.
- Security and Fairness: Even in free-to-play models, security matters. Apps should ensure user data protection and transparency in scoring systems, rules, and contest outcomes. Fair play mechanisms, like checks against fake accounts or bots, are also important for a credible experience.
- Promotions and Engagement Features: Instead of cash bonuses, many apps now rely on loyalty rewards, streak points, or free contest entries to encourage user engagement. Apps that provide regular updates, themed tournaments, or crossover events between sports tend to keep the experience lively.
- Customer Support: Strong customer support remains a must. Even for free-to-play contests, having quick assistance via chat or email helps users if they face login issues, app glitches, or rule-related queries. Reliable platforms typically offer responsive support channels to maintain trust.
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Conclusion: Enjoy Fantasy Cricket Apps Safely After the 2025 Law!
Fantasy cricket remains a fun way to connect with the game, but the experience has changed. After the Online Gaming Bill 2025, real-money contests are banned nationwide, which means apps like Dream11, MyTeam11, and Vision11 now run as free-to-play platforms. These apps continue to offer exciting team-building formats, leaderboards, and esports-style competitions, but without cash payouts.
The best way to enjoy them is to explore different platforms, try free practice leagues, and find the one that matches your style of play. Treat fantasy gaming as entertainment and skill practice, not as a source of income.
FAQs
No, because all real-money fantasy contests have been banned. There are no taxable winnings from fantasy apps anymore since only free-to-play formats are allowed.
Captains still earn double points and vice-captains 1.5 times the points. Always select in-form players who have a high chance of scoring runs or taking wickets.
Check if the app has updated its terms to comply with the 2025 law. Reputable apps now run only free-to-play contests. User reviews and brand reputation are also good indicators of trust.
Set a time limit, focus on improving your team-building skills, and remember that fantasy cricket is meant for fun and practice, not for financial gain.
Yes, all platforms now only offer free practice contests and leagues. You can enjoy the same experience without deposits or withdrawals.
Yes. Even though money contests are banned, most apps still require users to be at least 18 years old to register and play.
