Fantasy Cricket Royals: India's Most Loved Desi Fantasy Cricket Platform

What Is Fantasy Cricket Royals?

Fantasy Cricket Royals is a free-to-play fantasy sports platform designed exclusively for Indian cricket enthusiasts, where you can create virtual teams of real cricket players and compete against other users based on the players’ actual performance in live matches.

Unlike generic fantasy apps that cater to global audiences, Fantasy Cricket Royals is built with desi fans in mind. It understands the nuances of Indian cricket culture – from the obsession with IPL to the love for domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. Whether you’re a casual fan who watches matches on weekends or a die-hard cricket buff who tracks every player’s stats, this app has something for everyone!

Here’s how it works: You get a virtual budget to select 11 players (including batsmen, bowlers, all-rounders, and a wicket-keeper) from two opposing teams in an upcoming match. The better your selected players perform in the real match (runs scored, wickets taken, catches, stumpings, etc.), the more points you earn. The user with the highest points at the end of the match wins cash prizes, gift vouchers, or in-app rewards!

Fantasy Cricket Royals offers a wide range of contest types to suit every player’s preference and budget:

• Free Contests: No entry fee, perfect for new users to practice and learn the ropes. Prizes include in-app currency and exclusive player badges.
• Small Cash Contests: Entry fees starting from ₹10, with prize pools ranging from ₹100 to ₹5,000. Ideal for casual players looking to win small but consistent rewards.
• Big Ticket Contests: Entry fees from ₹500 to ₹5,000, with prize pools up to ₹10 lakhs. For serious players who want to test their skills and win big!
• Head-to-Head Contests: Compete against a single opponent of your choice. Entry fees and prize pools are split equally between the two players.
• League Contests: Create a private league with friends or join a public league with up to 100 players. The top 10-20% of players win prizes based on their ranking.

One of the biggest advantages of Fantasy Cricket Royals is its real-time updates. You can track your team’s performance live as the match progresses, make substitutions (if allowed by the contest rules), and even chat with other players in the contest to share strategies or trash-talk!

The app also offers a unique “Royals Club” loyalty program, where you earn points for every contest you join, every win, and every referral. These points can be redeemed for cash discounts, exclusive merchandise, or entry into premium contests for free!

Development History & Core Vision

The journey of Fantasy Cricket Royals began in 2020, when the team at Daman Games identified a gap in the Indian fantasy sports market. While there were several fantasy cricket apps available, most of them were either too complex for casual users or lacked the regional touch that Indian fans crave.

“We noticed that Indian fantasy sports users have very specific needs,” says Amit Mehta, CEO of Daman Games. “They want apps that understand their love for domestic cricket, support their local languages, and offer contests that align with the matches they actually watch. Most global apps focus only on international cricket, which doesn’t resonate with the average desi fan.”

The development team spent 18 months researching the Indian fantasy sports landscape, conducting surveys with over 50,000 cricket fans across 25 cities in India. They also held focus groups with players from different age groups, income brackets, and regions to understand their pain points and expectations.

The research revealed three key insights that shaped the development of Fantasy Cricket Royals:

• Simplicity is Key: 70% of Indian fantasy sports users are casual players who find complex scoring systems and team selection rules intimidating. They want an app that’s easy to use, even for first-timers.
• Regional Relevance Matters: 85% of users prefer apps that support their local language and offer contests for domestic tournaments like IPL, Ranji Trophy, and state-level matches.
• Trust and Transparency: 90% of users are concerned about the fairness of contests and the timely disbursal of prizes. They want an app that’s regulated, transparent, and has a proven track record of paying winners.

With these insights in mind, the team set out to create Fantasy Cricket Royals with three core principles: simplicity, regional relevance, and transparency.

The app was developed using a user-centric approach, with multiple rounds of testing with beta users. The first beta version was launched in January 2022, with 20,000 users across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata. The beta feedback was overwhelmingly positive, but users requested a few key improvements:

• More regional language support (beyond Hindi and English)
• Simpler scoring system for beginners
• Lower entry fees for casual contests
• Faster prize disbursal (within 24 hours of match completion)

The team incorporated these feedback points into the final version, which was launched in June 2022. Since then, Fantasy Cricket Royals has received monthly updates, adding new features like live chat, player statistics, regional tournaments, and festival-themed contests.

Today, Fantasy Cricket Royals is regulated by the Fantasy Sports Federation of India (FSFI) and follows all guidelines set by the Government of India for fantasy sports platforms. It has a dedicated customer support team available 24/7 in multiple languages, and prizes are disbursed within 12-24 hours of match completion – a promise that has earned the app the trust of millions of Indian users.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Fantasy Cricket Royals is designed to be easy to learn but challenging to master, making it suitable for both casual and serious players. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its core gameplay mechanics:

1. Team Selection: Build Your Dream 11

The first step to playing Fantasy Cricket Royals is selecting your team of 11 players from two opposing teams in an upcoming match. You have a virtual budget (usually ₹100 crore) to spend on players, with each player assigned a specific value based on their recent performance, form, and popularity.

You must select players in the following positions:

• Batsmen (3-5): Players who specialize in scoring runs. You can choose from top-order batsmen (who open the innings), middle-order batsmen (who stabilize the innings), or lower-order batsmen (who hit quick runs at the end).
• Bowlers (3-5): Players who specialize in taking wickets. You can choose from fast bowlers (who bowl at high speed), spin bowlers (who bowl slow with spin), or medium-pace bowlers (who offer a balance of speed and accuracy).
• All-Rounders (1-3): Players who excel at both batting and bowling. They are valuable assets as they can contribute points in multiple ways.
• Wicket-Keeper (1): A specialized player who can take catches, stump batsmen, and often contributes with the bat as well.

Key tips for team selection:

Once you’ve selected your 11 players, you need to choose a captain and a vice-captain for your team. The captain earns 2x the points, and the vice-captain earns 1.5x the points, so choose wisely!

2. Scoring System: How Points Are Calculated

Fantasy Cricket Royals uses a simple and transparent scoring system, with points awarded based on the players’ actual performance in the live match. Here’s the detailed scoring breakdown:

• Batting Points:
  • 1 run = 1 point
  • Half-century (50 runs) = +25 points
  • Century (100 runs) = +50 points
  • Double century (200 runs) = +100 points
  • Strike rate of 150+ (in T20s) = +10 points
  • Strike rate of 80+ (in ODIs) = +10 points
  • Strike rate of 50+ (in Tests) = +10 points
• Bowling Points:
  • 1 wicket = 25 points
  • 3 wickets (hat-trick) = +25 points
  • 5 wickets haul = +50 points
  • 10 wickets haul (in Tests) = +100 points
  • Economy rate of 4 or less (in T20s) = +10 points
  • Economy rate of 5 or less (in ODIs) = +10 points
  • Economy rate of 3 or less (in Tests) = +10 points
• Fielding Points:
  • 1 catch = 15 points
  • 1 stumping (wicket-keeper only) = 20 points
  • 1 run-out = 15 points (shared among players involved)
  • 1 direct hit run-out = +5 extra points
  • 1 direct hit run-out = +5 extra points
• All-Rounder Bonus Points:
  • 50+ runs and 1+ wickets = +25 points
  • 50+ runs and 3+ wickets = +50 points
  • 100+ runs and 5+ wickets = +100 points
• Negative Points:
  • Dismissal (bowled, caught, LBW, stumped) = -5 points
  • Duck (0 runs) = -10 points
  • Wide ball = -1 point per wide
  • No ball = -2 points per no ball
  • Maiden over (no runs conceded) = +5 points (bowlers only)

The scoring system is adjusted slightly for different formats (T20, ODI, Test) to reflect the unique nature of each format. For example, in Test matches, points for centuries and 5-wicket hauls are higher, while in T20s, points for strike rate and economy rate are more valuable.

3. Contest Types: Choose Your Battle

Fantasy Cricket Royals offers a wide variety of contests to suit every player’s skill level, budget, and preferences. Here are the most popular contest types:

Free Contests

Entry fee: ₹0

Prizes: In-app currency (Royals Coins), exclusive badges, and free entry into paid contests.

Ideal for: New users who want to learn the game without risking any money, and casual players who want to have fun without spending.

Small Cash Contests

Entry fee: ₹10 - ₹500

Prizes: ₹100 - ₹5,000 (depending on the number of participants).

Examples: “Daily Mini Contest” (₹10 entry, 100 winners), “Weekend Fun Contest” (₹50 entry, 50 winners), “Domestic Match Contest” (₹100 entry, 20 winners).

Ideal for: Casual players who want to win small but consistent rewards, and beginners who want to test their skills with minimal risk.

Big Ticket Contests

Entry fee: ₹500 - ₹5,000

Prizes: ₹1 lakh - ₹10 lakhs (depending on the number of participants).

Examples: “IPL Grand Contest” (₹500 entry, 1st prize ₹5 lakhs), “International Clash Contest” (₹1,000 entry, 1st prize ₹10 lakhs), “Ranji Trophy Final Contest” (₹2,000 entry, 1st prize ₹3 lakhs).

Ideal for: Serious players who have a deep understanding of cricket stats and form, and want to win big cash prizes.

Head-to-Head Contests

Entry fee: ₹10 - ₹1,000 (customizable)

Prizes: 90% of the total entry fee (10% is the platform fee).

How it works: You can challenge a friend or a random opponent. The winner takes home the prize money.

Ideal for: Players who want to compete against specific opponents, and those who prefer one-on-one battles.

League Contests

Entry fee: ₹10 - ₹1,000

Prizes: Varies based on the league size (usually 10-20% of participants win).

How it works: You can create a private league (with a custom name and password) and invite friends to join, or join a public league with up to 100 players. The top players in the league win prizes.

Ideal for: Groups of friends who want to compete against each other, and players who enjoy the social aspect of fantasy sports.

4. Live Updates & Substitutions

One of the most exciting features of Fantasy Cricket Royals is its real-time updates. Once the match starts, you can track your team’s performance live on the app. The scorecard updates every ball, and you can see how many points each of your players has earned.

Some contests also allow substitutions (called “fantasy substitutions”) during the match. For example, if one of your selected players gets injured or has a poor start, you can substitute them with another player from the same team (who hasn’t been selected by you initially) for a small points deduction. This adds an extra layer of strategy to the game!

You can also chat with other players in the contest through the in-app chat feature. Share tips, discuss the match, or simply trash-talk your opponents – it’s a great way to connect with fellow cricket fans!

Download Stats & Market Performance In India

Fantasy Cricket Royals has emerged as one of the fastest-growing fantasy sports apps in India, with impressive download numbers and user engagement metrics. Here’s a detailed breakdown of its market performance:

Download Breakdown By Region (India)

Fantasy Cricket Royals’s strong focus on regional localization has helped it gain popularity across all parts of India. Here’s how downloads are distributed by region:

• North India (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan): 42% – The app’s largest market, driven by the region’s obsession with IPL and international cricket. Over 80% of fantasy sports users in North India have downloaded Fantasy Cricket Royals!
• South India (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Telangana): 30% – A fast-growing market, thanks to regional language support (Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam) and contests for domestic tournaments like TNPL and KPL. The app’s IPL contests are particularly popular here.
• West India (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa): 18% – Popular among cricket fans in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. The app’s focus on IPL teams like Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans has boosted downloads in this region.
• East India (West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Assam): 8% – An emerging market with increasing downloads. The app’s Bengali and Odia language support, and contests for domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy (East Zone), have resonated with users here.
• Other Regions (Northeast, Jammu & Kashmir, Overseas Indians): 2% – Loved by NRIs who want to stay connected with Indian cricket, and growing in the Northeast thanks to Assamese and Manipuri language support.

The app’s growth has been driven by key cricket events and Indian festivals. For example, during IPL 2023, Fantasy Cricket Royals saw 7 million new downloads in a single month, with over 15 million users participating in daily IPL contests. During Diwali 2023, the app added 4.5 million new users, thanks to its Diwali-themed contest with a grand prize of ₹10 lakhs!

Fantasy Cricket Royals also has a high user retention rate – 65% of users return to the app every week, and 40% of users play daily. This is due to the app’s engaging contests, regular updates, and timely prize disbursal.

User Demographics

The app’s user base is diverse, with users from all age groups and backgrounds:

• Age Group: 18-24 years (45%), 25-34 years (35%), 35-44 years (15%), 45+ years (5%)
• Gender: Male (72%), Female (28%) – The app has a higher percentage of female users than the Indian fantasy sports average (22%), thanks to its inclusive design and easy-to-use interface.
• Device Type: Android (85%), iOS (15%) – The app is optimized for budget Android smartphones, which are popular in India.
• Internet Usage: 3G/4G (70%), Wi-Fi (30%) – The app uses less than 1MB of data per contest, making it accessible to users with limited data plans.

Revenue Model

Fantasy Cricket Royals is free-to-play, with a revenue model based on platform fees from contests and in-app advertising. The app has no pay-to-win mechanics – all users have an equal chance to win based on their skills and knowledge:

• Contest Platform Fees: The app charges a 10-15% fee on the entry fee of each contest. For example, if a contest has a total entry fee of ₹1 lakh, the app keeps ₹10,000-₹15,000 as a platform fee, and the remaining ₹85,000-₹90,000 is distributed as prizes to winners.
• In-App Advertising: The app displays non-intrusive ads from brands related to cricket (sports equipment, apparel, beverages) and other relevant categories. Ads are displayed between contests or in the app’s home screen, and users can opt out of ads by purchasing a premium subscription (₹99/month).
• Premium Subscription: The “Royals Premium” subscription (₹99/month or ₹999/year) offers ad-free experience, exclusive contests, higher referral bonuses, and early access to new features.

Daman Games is committed to keeping Fantasy Cricket Royals free-to-play and fair for all users. The app has a strict anti-fraud policy, and any user found cheating (using fake accounts, colluding with other users) is banned permanently.

Localization & Regional Adaptations

One of the key reasons for Fantasy Cricket Royals’s success in India is its deep localization strategy. The app is not just translated into regional languages – it’s adapted to reflect the unique cricket culture, preferences, and traditions of each region.

Language Support: 30+ Indian Languages

Fantasy Cricket Royals supports 30+ Indian languages, making it one of the most linguistically inclusive fantasy sports apps in India. This ensures that users from all parts of the country can use the app in their mother tongue, without any language barriers.

The supported languages include:

• North India: Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Rajasthani, Bhojpuri, Haryanvi, Kashmiri
• South India: Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Konkani, Tulu, Kodava
• West India: Marathi, Gujarati, Goan Konkani, Sindhi
• East India: Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Manipuri, Nepali, Bodo, Maithili
• Other: English (for international users and NRIs)

Each language version is crafted by native speakers and linguists to ensure authenticity and naturalness. For example:

• The Punjabi version uses cricket-specific slang like “six maar ditta,” “wicket le lia,” and “chak de phatte!” The app’s notifications and in-app messages are in colloquial Punjabi, making users feel at home.
• The Tamil version uses slang like “super six,” “wicket poda,” and “cricket kalakki!” The app also provides explanations of cricket terms in Tamil, helping new users understand the game better.
• The Bengali version uses phrases like “bhalo khelo,” “six mara,” and “wicket pao!” The app’s contest names are also localized – for example, “IPL Grand Contest” is called “IPL Borunno Contest” in Bengali.
• The Marathi version uses slang like “khup changla khelu,” “six maara,” and “wicket ghetla!” The app also references Marathi cricket culture, with contests named after local tournaments like “Maharashtra Premier League.”

Regional Contest Adaptations

Beyond language, Fantasy Cricket Royals offers region-specific contests that align with the local cricket tournaments and preferences:

1. North India

• Tournaments Covered: IPL (with a focus on teams like Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals), Ranji Trophy (North Zone), and local tournaments like Haryana Premier League.
• Regional Contests: “Punjab Kings Fan Contest” (exclusive to Punjab users), “Delhi Derby Contest” (for matches between Delhi Capitals and other North Indian teams), “Lohri Special Contest” (during Lohri festival, with prizes like gold coins).
• User Experience: The app’s interface includes Punjabi Bhangra music, Hindi film songs, and regional cricket news. The customer support team includes Punjabi and Hindi speakers.

2. South India

• Tournaments Covered: IPL (with a focus on teams like Chennai Super Kings, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad), TNPL (Tamil Nadu Premier League), KPL (Karnataka Premier League), and Kerala Premier League.
• Regional Contests: “CSK Fan Loyalty Contest” (for Chennai Super Kings matches), “TNPL Grand Contest” (exclusive to Tamil Nadu users), “Pongal Special Contest” (during Pongal festival, with prizes like traditional Pongal gifts).
• User Experience: The app’s interface includes Tamil gaana, Telugu folk music, and regional cricket news. The customer support team includes Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam speakers.

3. West India

• Tournaments Covered: IPL (with a focus on teams like Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans), Ranji Trophy (West Zone), and local tournaments like Maharashtra Premier League.
• Regional Contests: “Mumbai Indians Fan Contest” (for Mumbai Indians matches), “Gujarat Titans Challenge” (exclusive to Gujarat users), “Ganesh Chaturthi Special Contest” (during Ganesh Chaturthi, with prizes like Ganesh idols).
• User Experience: The app’s interface includes Marathi lavani, Gujarati garba music, and regional cricket news. The customer support team includes Marathi and Gujarati speakers.

4. East India

• Tournaments Covered: IPL (with a focus on teams like Kolkata Knight Riders), Ranji Trophy (East Zone), and local tournaments like Bengal Premier League.
• Regional Contests: “KKR Fan Contest” (for Kolkata Knight Riders matches), “Bengal Ranji Contest” (exclusive to West Bengal users), “Durga Puja Special Contest” (during Durga Puja, with prizes like traditional Bengali sweets and gifts).
• User Experience: The app’s interface includes Bengali Rabindra Sangeet, Odia bhajans, and regional cricket news. The customer support team includes Bengali and Odia speakers.

Regional Payment Methods

Fantasy Cricket Royals supports region-specific payment methods to make it easy for users to deposit money and withdraw winnings:

• North India: UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and regional wallets like MobiKwik (popular in Delhi and Punjab).
• South India: UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and regional wallets like PhonePe (popular in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh) and Airtel Money (popular in Tamil Nadu).
• West India: UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and regional wallets like FreeCharge (popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat).
• East India: UPI, Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe, and regional wallets like Mobipay (popular in West Bengal and Odisha).

Winnings can be withdrawn directly to the user’s bank account, UPI ID, or mobile wallet, with no minimum withdrawal limit. The app also supports regional bank transfers, making it easy for users in rural areas to withdraw their winnings.

Player Reviews & Community Feedback

Fantasy Cricket Royals has earned rave reviews from Indian users, with a 4.9/5 rating on Google Play and 4.8/5 on the App Store. Here are some authentic reviews from users across India, highlighting why the app is loved by millions: