If you opened Instagram or YouTube in the last 48 hours, you’ve definitely seen this meme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pointing dramatically at a phone that has the Dream11 logo and piles of cash in the background, with the screaming Hindi caption – “फिर से आया वापस DREAM11” (Dream11 is back again)!”
Yes, the king of fantasy sports apps has returned after a brief disappearance from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store in certain states, and the internet is celebrating like India just won the World Cup again.
But let’s take a step back and talk about what actually happened, quietly, dramatically happened.
What Happened to Dream11?
In the last week of October 2025, Dream11 suddenly vanished from app stores in several states (especially Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Odisha, and a few others) because of ongoing legal battles around whether fantasy sports platforms like Dream11 constitute “gambling” or “game of skill.”
Some High Courts have ruled in favor of Dream11 (saying it’s predominantly skill-based), while others are still hearing cases. Because of this confusion, both Google and Apple temporarily pulled the app in “restricted” states to stay on the safe side of local laws.
Result? Panic. Millions of users thought their favorite app was gone forever. Withdrawal requests spiked, WhatsApp groups exploded, and fantasy cricket influencers started posting emotional “goodbye Dream11” reels.
And Then… It Came Back
Within days, Dream11 worked out direct-download solutions, started aggressive marketing, and (most importantly) got listed again on app stores in most places. The company also seems to have reached some understanding or clarification with authorities in several states.
Cue the viral meme campaign: “Phir se aaya wapas Dream11” with Modi ji’s face plastered everywhere. Classic Indian marketing – take a crisis, turn it into a dramatic comeback story, add a dash of nationalism and meme energy, and boom – everyone is talking about you again.
Should You Celebrate?
Look, I’m not your financial advisor or your nani, but let’s be real for a second:
Dream11 is insanely addictive and brilliantly designed to keep you hooked.
95%+ of users lose money in the long run (the platform openly says the top 1–2% take most of the prize pool).
The new tax rules (28% TDS on winnings above ₹10,000 + 30% income tax) mean even if you win big, the government and Dream11 take a massive cut.
Several states still consider it borderline gambling.
So yes, Dream11 is back.
Yes, you can again make 47 teams for the India vs Australia match.
Yes, you can again stay awake till 3 AM changing captain and vice-captain every 5 minutes.
But maybe, just maybe, treat it like Vegas – fun when done in strict limits, dangerous when it becomes your side hustle dream.
Final Verdict
Welcome back, Dream11.
You never really left our hearts (or our phone storage).
Just remember:
Skill improves your chances.
Discipline protects your wallet.
Play responsibly, folks. The only guaranteed winner in fantasy sports is the platform (and now the taxman).
Jai Hind.
And may your mega-league rank be ever under 1000. 🙏
#Dream11 #FantasyCricket #PhirSeAayaWapas #PlayResponsibly
Comments
Post a Comment