Let’s return to 2008, just six months after India won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 Championship. Amidst the national euphoria for the game’s shortest format, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) introduced a revolutionary chapter in cricket – the Indian Premier League (IPL). Fast forward eleven years and the IPL has ascended to become one of the world’s most prominent annual cricket events, surpassed only by Cricket World Cups.
This groundbreaking era of franchise cricket played a crucial role in elevating the Indian national cricket team to one of the sport’s elite (although they were never far from the top). Furthermore, it spawned a massive ₹15,000 crore market – the fantasy cricket leagues market. Over the last four years, various companies have launched their fantasy cricket apps, with around 45 now available in India. This number continues to grow as the days go by.
The most pressing question for newcomers to the fantasy cricket scene is: Which of these fantasy games should I download and play? Fear not! We have narrowed the list to the Top 10 Best Fantasy Cricket Apps in India, ensuring maximum enjoyment and profit.
Fantasy Cricket Market Size in India
Image (India Fantasy Sports Market size is valued at ₹13 Crore in 2021 and is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 32% between 2022 and 2032 reckoning around ₹ X crore by 2032.)
India has become the world’s largest market for fantasy sports, with approximately 13 crores of users, projected to grow at a CAGR of 32% from 2022 to 2032.
While cricket currently dominates the Indian fantasy sports market, its market share may decrease as other sports, such as kabaddi, hockey, football, and volleyball, gain popularity. Nevertheless, fantasy cricket is expected to continue growing at a 30% CAGR over the next four years and remain the top contributor to the overall revenue of the fantasy sports industry.
Moreover, women’s cricket has also gained traction in the fantasy sports market, as demonstrated by the 213% increase in viewing hours for the 2020 ICC Women’s Twenty20 World Cup compared to 2018. During the first phase of the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL), India’s fantasy sports industry user base increased by more than 20 lakh users.
The growth of the Indian fantasy cricket market is driven by various factors, such as the increasing number of cricket leagues in India, the rising popularity of cricket among the youth, and the increasing penetration of smartphones and the internet in the country.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the market’s growth,
as more people are spending time at home and looking for new forms of entertainment.
Top Fantasy Cricket Apps in India to Play in this IPL-2023
As the IPL 2023 approaches, the demand for fantasy cricket apps is expected to rise, and there are numerous options available for users to choose from. Here are some of the top fantasy cricket apps available in India for users to play in this IPL season.
1. Dream 11
Dream11, a popular fantasy sports app, boasts well-known brand ambassadors like MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. The app has over 11 crore users and awards over ₹ 25 crore in daily winnings. Dream11 is widely regarded as one of the best fantasy sports apps in India, particularly for cricket enthusiasts.
- Multiple sports: Offers fantasy leagues for cricket, football, basketball, and kabaddi.
- User-friendly interface: Easy-to-navigate app design for a seamless experience.
- Contests: Various contest types and sizes are available for users to join and compete.
- Referral program: Users can invite friends and earn bonus cash.
- Deposit options: Multiple payment methods for adding funds to the user’s account.
- Withdrawal options: Secure and quick withdrawals through bank transfers or e-wallets.
In addition to cricket, Dream11 also offers a football game for users to enjoy.
How Much Does It Cost to Develop a Fantasy Sports App Like Dream11?
2. My Team 11
MyTeam11, another top fantasy cricket app, offers users access to more than 1000 daily leagues and competitions across various sports, providing ample opportunities to compete and potentially win big prizes.
The app allows users to build their own virtual squad by selecting players from a pre-determined pool of credit points. Users can also strategically choose their captain and vice-captain to maximize their scores.
MyTeam11 offers a range of games and leagues for users to participate in, including open competitions with millions of users. Additionally, the app allows users to create their own exclusive competitions and invite their friends to participate. The app also provides real-time updates on live match scores, team rankings, and overall team performance.
Features:
- Multiple sports: Offers cricket, football, basketball, and volleyball.
- Safe Play: Dedicated mode for beginners to learn and practice.
- Contests: Different contest types are available to cater to user preferences.
- Referral program: Users can invite friends and earn rewards.
- Withdrawal options: Allows withdrawals via Paytm and bank transfers.
3. My11Circle
My11Circle is a fantasy sports app that allows users to create their own virtual team and participate in daily fantasy contests to win cash prizes. The app primarily focuses on cricket and offers a range of games and leagues for users to participate in. My11Circle is owned by Games24x7, a leading online gaming platform in India.
Features
- Fantasy cricket: Focused on the Indian market for cricket enthusiasts.
- Contests: Users can participate in various contests to win cash prizes.
- Practice mode: Provides a risk-free environment for users to learn and practice.
- Referral bonus: Earn rewards by inviting friends to the platform.
- Beat the Expert: Unique feature allows users to compete against cricket experts.
- Deposit and withdrawal options: Multiple payment methods for transactions.
4. MPL Fantasy
The Mobile Premier League app, also known as MPL, is a popular fantasy cricket platform in India, endorsed by the renowned cricketer Virat Kohli. Over the past three IPL seasons, the online fantasy cricket app has been a sponsor for the Kolkata Knight Riders team.
Besides the aforementioned cricket fantasy game, users can also leverage their skills and gaming prowess to make more money by participating in a variety of other games. Some of these games include Fruit Dart, Quiz, Ludo, and 8 Ball Pool.
Features:
- Multi-game platform: Offers fantasy cricket along with other gaming options.
- User-friendly interface: Easy-to-use app design for a smooth experience.
- Contests: Various contests are available for users to join and compete in.
- Live match updates: Real-time match updates within the app.
- Deposit and withdrawal options: Multiple payment methods for transactions.
5. BalleBaazi
BalleBaazi is a recently popular fantasy sports app that distinguishes itself from competitors by offering users the option to select either Bowling Fantasy or Batting Fantasy. With a low withdrawal threshold and ample rewards, BalleBaazi allows users to engage in games with ease. The platform features a wide variety of games, enabling players to win substantial prizes.
Features
- Multiple sports: Offers cricket, football, and kabaddi.
- Fantasy formats: Provides Classic, Batting, and Bowling fantasy modes.
- Contests: Users can join different contests to win cash prizes.
- Referral program: Users can invite friends and earn bonus cash.
- Deposit and withdrawal options: Multiple payment methods for transactions.
6. 11 Wickets
For strategy enthusiasts seeking to explore diverse tactics across various sports, 11 Wickets is an ideal platform. The game emphasizes strategy, with the winner being the one who employs the most effective plan.
With over 3 million users, 50+ daily matches, and 100% secure payments, 11 Wickets is undoubtedly a top fantasy cricket app. Additionally, we have compiled a list of the best live cricket streaming apps to provide further assistance.
Features:
- Multiple sports: Offers cricket, football, and kabaddi.
- Captain and Vice-Captain system: Users can select a captain and vice-captain for their team.
- Contests: Various contests are available for users to join and compete.
- Referral program: Users can invite friends and earn rewards.
- Deposit and withdrawal options: Multiple payment methods for transactions.
7. Halaplay
HalaPlay is a fantasy sports platform designed for sports enthusiasts who want to engage in virtual team management for various sports, primarily focusing on cricket and football. The platform offers users a unique and immersive experience, allowing them to test their sports knowledge and analytical skills by creating and managing their own virtual teams.
To participate in fantasy sports contests on HalaPlay, users must first create virtual teams by selecting real-life players from the teams participating in a specific match or tournament. The players are chosen based on their skills, form, and past performances.
Features
- Multiple sports: Offers cricket, football, and kabaddi.
- Contests: Users can join different contests to win cash prizes.
- Reverse Fantasy: Unique mode where users create a team with the least performing players.
- Referral program: Users can invite friends and earn bonus cash.
- Deposit and withdrawal options: Multiple payment methods for transactions.
8. FanFight
FanFight is a popular fantasy sports app that caters to a wide range of sports enthusiasts by offering various sports options such as cricket, football, basketball, and kabaddi. The platform aims to provide a competitive and engaging environment where users can test their sports knowledge, enhance their analytical skills, and practice strategic thinking.
Features:
- Multiple sports: Offers cricket, football, and kabaddi.
- Contests: Users can join different contests to win cash prizes.
- Referral program: Users can invite friends and earn rewards.
- Deposit and withdrawal options: Multiple payment methods for transactions.
9. First Games By Paytm
First Games by Paytm is a fantasy sports app and gaming platform developed by the popular Indian digital payments company Paytm. It offers a wide range of gaming options, including fantasy sports like cricket, football, and kabaddi, as well as other casual games such as Ludo, Rummy, action, and puzzle games.
Features:
- Multi-game platform: Offers fantasy sports along with other gaming options.
- Seamless integration: Easy to use with Paytm wallet for transactions.
- Contests: Various contests are available for users to join and compete.
- Referral program: Users can invite friends and earn rewards.
- Deposit and withdrawal options: Paytm wallet transactions for convenience.
- Brand credibility: With Sachin Tendulkar as its brand ambassador, the app is trustworthy and reliable.
10. Real11
Real11 is a fantasy sports app that primarily focuses on cricket, allowing cricket enthusiasts to create their own teams, participate in various contests, and compete for cash prizes. The platform offers a user-friendly experience, making it an attractive choice for fantasy cricket players.
Features:
- Fantasy cricket: Focused on providing a platform for cricket enthusiasts.
- User-friendly interface: Easy-to-navigate app design for a seamless experience.
- Contests: Users can join and compete in various contest types and sizes.
- Referral program: Users can invite friends and earn bonus cash.
- Deposit options: Multiple payment methods for adding funds to the user’s account.
- Withdrawal options: Secure and quick withdrawals through bank transfers or e-wallets.
- Live match updates: The app offers real-time updates on ongoing matches, helping users track their team’s performance and make necessary adjustments as needed.
- Customer support: Real11 offers dedicated customer support to address user queries and concerns, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience on the platform.
How to Choose Best Fantasy Cricket App for You?
Choosing the best Fantasy Cricket app for you involves considering user interface, performance, reliability, features, and security factors. Here’s a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Research and Reviews
Search for your region’s top-rated Fantasy Cricket apps. Review user reviews and ratings on app stores, social media platforms, and online forums. Pay attention to the overall user experience, performance, and satisfaction.
2. User Interface
A good Fantasy Cricket app should have an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The app should be easy to navigate, allowing you to quickly access various sections, such as creating teams, joining contests, and tracking live scores.
3. Performance and Reliability
The app should be fast, responsive, and compatible with your device. It should also have minimal downtime or technical issues. The app should load quickly, process transactions smoothly, and handle high traffic during peak times, such as popular cricket tournaments.
4. Features and Variety
Look for apps that offer a variety of game formats and contests, such as head-to-head, grand leagues, and small leagues. The app should also provide multiple sports and tournaments, including international, domestic, and T20 leagues. Other features include live score updates, player statistics, expert advice, and chat rooms.
5. Security and Trustworthiness
Choose an app that prioritizes security and user privacy. The app should have a secure payment gateway, data encryption, and a transparent privacy policy. Ensure that the app is licensed and regulated by a recognized authority.
6. Customer Support
The app should offer prompt and efficient customer support through multiple emails, live chat, or phone channels. Check for responsiveness and the quality of assistance provided by the support team.
7. Promotions and Rewards
Compare different apps’ promotions, bonuses, and rewards. Some apps offer sign-up bonuses, referral rewards, and promotional offers for specific tournaments or contests. These incentives can enhance your overall experience and help you maximize your winnings.
8. Withdrawal and Deposit Options
The app should provide various convenient and secure deposit and withdrawal options, such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. The processing time for transactions should be reasonable, and there should be no hidden charges.
9. Social Media Presence
A strong social media presence indicates an app’s popularity and credibility. Follow their social media accounts to stay updated on the latest features, promotions, and user testimonials.
10. Personal Preferences
Finally, consider your personal preferences and playing style. Some apps might cater to casual players, while others target experienced or professional players. Choose an app that best suits your needs and preferences.
Considering these factors, you can choose the best Fantasy Cricket app that offers a seamless experience, exciting contests, and a secure platform for your gaming needs.
How to Create Fantasy Cricket Teams?
Creating a Fantasy Cricket team involves selecting real-life cricket players and forming a team based on their performance in upcoming matches or tournaments. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a Fantasy Cricket team:
1. Choose a Fantasy Cricket Platform
Select a reliable and trustworthy Fantasy Cricket platform or app. Sign up for an account and log in.
2. Select a Match
Choose a match or tournament you wish to participate in. Most platforms offer a variety of matches and tournaments to select from.
3. Create a Team
Once you have selected a match, create your Fantasy Cricket team by selecting players from both teams. You will have a virtual budget, which you need to use to select players for your team. Each player has a specific value based on performance, and you cannot exceed the budget limit.
4. Choose the Captain and Vice-Captain
Select a Captain and Vice-Captain from your team. The Captain will earn double the points, while the Vice-Captain earns 1.5 times the points scored in the match.
5. Submit Your Team
Once you have finalized your team, submit it before the deadline. You can make changes to your team before the deadline, but once the deadline is passed, you cannot make any changes.
6. Track your Team’s Performance
Once the match begins, track your team’s performance in real time. You can check the live score and see how your team is performing. Points are awarded based on each player’s performance in the match, such as runs scored, wickets taken, catches, and run-outs.
7. Win Prizes
You can earn points and win prizes from the Fantasy Cricket platform based on your team’s performance. The prize pool is usually divided among the top-performing teams.
Creating a Fantasy Cricket team involves researching player statistics, analyzing past performances, and selecting the best team within your budget. It’s essential to watch the match schedules and deadlines to ensure you don’t miss out on any participation opportunities.
Things to Take Care of While Playing Fantasy Cricket
Playing Fantasy Cricket can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but taking certain precautions and being aware of potential risks is essential. Here are some things to take care of while playing Fantasy Cricket:
Set a Budget
Set a budget and stick to it. Don’t overspend or invest more money than you can afford to lose. Remember, Fantasy Cricket is a game of skill and luck with no guarantees of winning.
Research and Analyze
Before selecting your team, research and analyze player statistics, team performances, and match conditions. Don’t rely solely on popular players or team biases.
Follow Match Updates
Stay updated on match schedules, scores, and player injuries. Keep an eye on the latest news and updates to make informed decisions when selecting your team.
Select the Captain and Vice-Captain Carefully
Choose the Captain and Vice-Captain of your team wisely. They can earn you the most points, but their performances can also significantly impact your team’s score.
Participate Responsibly
Participate in Fantasy Cricket responsibly and avoid getting addicted. Don’t let your enthusiasm for the game affect your personal or professional life.
Check the Rules and Regulations
Read and understand the rules and regulations of your Fantasy Cricket platform. Familiarize yourself with the scoring system, contest rules, and eligibility criteria.
Protect Your Personal Information
Protect your personal information, such as your login credentials, bank account details, and other sensitive information. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication to enhance security.
Stay Vigilant Against Fraud
Be wary of fraudulent schemes or phishing attempts. Don’t share your personal or financial information with unknown or suspicious individuals.
Don’t Violate Fair Play Policies
Don’t engage in unfair practices or violate fair play policies. This can result in disqualification or penalties and harm the overall integrity of the game.
Legality of Fantasy Cricket Apps in India
Fantasy Cricket games have gained immense popularity in India, with many users considering it as a source of entertainment and income. However, the legality of these games has been a topic of debate in recent times.
According to Livemint, Fantasy Cricket games are considered a game of skill and not a game of chance. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that games of skill are exempted from the definition of gambling under the Public Gambling Act of 1867. Therefore, Fantasy Cricket games are not illegal in India. However, the legality of these games depends on various factors such as the format of the game, involvement of real money, and the user’s location.
Also, some states in India, including Assam, Odisha, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh, have banned online gambling or games of skill involving real money. Users from these states may face legal implications for participating in Fantasy Cricket games.
To regulate the Fantasy Sports industry in India, the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS) has created a self-regulatory framework and a code of conduct for responsible gaming and fair play.
The code of conduct created by FIFS covers various aspects of Fantasy Sports operations, including user registration, data privacy, security, transparency, and responsible gaming. It also sets standards for player verification, age verification, and location verification to prevent fraud and ensure fair play. The code also requires operators to ensure that users have access to the necessary tools to manage their gaming activities, including setting deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
Conclusion
As the popularity of Fantasy Cricket continues to grow in India, these apps offer a great opportunity for users to both earn money and enjoy the game. By selecting one of the top Fantasy Cricket apps from the aforementioned list, individuals who are confident in their ability to win can begin participating and making money.
Scrum Digital is a leading software development company that specializes in developing custom Fantasy Sports applications. If you’re looking to develop your Fantasy Cricket app, Scrum Digital can help you bring your vision to life. Our team of experienced developers can create a customized solution that meets your unique requirements and exceeds your expectations.
FAQS
Q1. Which is the No 1 fantasy App in India?
Dream11 is currently India’s most popular and widely used Fantasy Sports app. It has a significant market share and a large user base.
Q2. Which is the No 1 Fantasy Cricket App?
Dream11 is considered the leading Fantasy Cricket app in India, with a significant user base and a wide range of game formats and contests.
Q3. Which App is Better than Dream11?
There are several Fantasy Sports apps available in India that offer similar features and game formats as Dream11. However, the users’ preference depends on their personal preferences, experience, and other factors.
Q4. How Many Fantasy Cricket Apps are there in India?
Several Fantasy Cricket apps are available in India, with new apps regularly entering the market. Some of the popular Fantasy Cricket apps include Dream11, My11Circle, FanFight, MPL, and Halaplay.
Q5. Who is the Competitor of Dream11?
Dream11 faces stiff competition from other Fantasy Sports apps in India, including My11Circle, FanFight, MPL, and Halaplay. These apps offer similar features and game formats and have gained a significant user base in recent years.
Q6. Which is India’s Fastest-Growing Fantasy Site?
Several Fantasy Sports apps are experiencing rapid growth and popularity in India. The fastest-growing Fantasy Sports app in India may vary depending on various factors such as user base, market share, and revenue. However, some popular Fantasy Sports apps experiencing significant growth include My11Circle, MPL, and FanFight.
