How to play fantasy cricket
A complete beginner's guide to playing fantasy cricket in India. From sign-up to lock-in to settlement, every step explained in plain language.
Step one — choose your platform
The largest fantasy cricket platforms in India are Dream11, My11Circle, MPL, and a handful of others. Each platform has a slightly different points table, contest structure and bonus policy. The Fantafeat editorial desk maintains a comparison on the points system page; pick the platform whose points table best matches your captaincy style.
Step two — sign up and verify
Sign up with your mobile number and verify with the OTP. Complete KYC (PAN and bank account or UPI) before adding payment details. The platform will not let you withdraw winnings without completed KYC.
Step three — check state eligibility
Six Indian states currently restrict paid fantasy contests. Verify that your state is eligible before adding payment details. The Fantafeat desk maintains a state-by-state reference on the legal page.
Step four — pick a contest
Start with a free practice contest to learn the points table. Move to small head-to-head or 3-entry leagues once you understand how captaincy and the salary cap work. Avoid mega contests until you have at least 20 matches of experience.
Step five — build your team
Select eleven players within the salary cap. Choose a captain (2×) and vice-captain (1.5×). Balance premium picks with value differentials. Read the Fantafeat captaincy guide for the full logic.
Step six — lock before toss
The lineup locks the moment the toss happens. Lock your team five minutes early to give yourself time to react to last-minute injury news.
Step seven — settle and withdraw
Winnings are credited to your in-app wallet after the match is settled. Withdrawal to bank or UPI typically takes 2 to 24 hours once KYC is complete. Some platforms have minimum withdrawal thresholds; check before requesting.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best platform for beginners?
The platform that matches your contest size preference and points-table style. Most beginners start on Dream11 because of contest size variety, but the smaller platforms often have lower commission and better practice contests.
How long does the whole sign-up take?
Sign-up takes 2 to 5 minutes. KYC verification takes 5 to 30 minutes for PAN and UPI; bank verification can take up to 24 hours.
Can I play more than one platform at a time?
Yes. Many serious fantasy players run teams across two or three platforms simultaneously. The captaincy logic transfers; the points tables vary slightly.
What if my state is restricted?
You cannot enter paid contests from restricted states. You can still read the editorial desk's captaincy predictions and points explanations. The desk does not encourage users to circumvent state restrictions.