Fantasy cricket apps have transformed the way fans engage with the sport.
With millions of users actively participating in fantasy leagues, it’s no surprise that businesses are eager to tap into this booming industry.
But the big question is, how much does it cost to develop a fantasy cricket app?
Well, the cost can range anywhere between $30,000 to $150,000, depending on factors like app complexity, features, platform selection, and development team location.
A basic version with essential features might fall on the lower end, whereas a high-end fantasy cricket app with advanced functionalities can push the budget higher.
If you’re considering building a fantasy cricket app, this blog will break down the development cost in detail, covering key cost factors, hidden expenses, and cost-saving strategies to help you plan your budget effectively.
Are you ready to explore the world of fantasy cricket app development? Let’s get started!
Should You Develop a Fantasy Cricket App?
Fantasy cricket isn’t just a game, it’s a billion-dollar industry attracting sports fans, brands, and investors alike.
But is it the right business move for you?
Let’s break it down with three strong reasons to develop a fantasy sports app, backed by stats.
1. The Fantasy Sports Market is Booming
The global fantasy sports market is expected to reach $48.6 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 13.9% (Source).
Cricket, being one of the most followed sports worldwide, holds a massive share in this market.
With over 150 million fantasy sports users in India alone, platforms like Dream11, My11Circle, and MPL have seen multi-million-dollar investments and user growth year over year.
What does this mean for you?
A well-built fantasy cricket app can attract a huge user base and generate revenue through entry fees, advertisements, and in-app purchases.
2. High Revenue Potential
Fantasy sports apps operate on multiple monetization models, including:
- Entry Fees & Commissions – Fantasy platforms earn between 10-15% of every contest entry fee.
- In-app Ads – Top apps generate millions in ad revenue due to high user engagement.
- Premium Subscriptions – Users pay for advanced analytics and exclusive features.
In 2021 alone, Dream11 recorded revenue of over $350 million, showcasing how lucrative this industry can be (Source).
Why should you care?
If planned well, a fantasy cricket app can be a highly profitable venture, offering multiple revenue streams with scalable growth.
3. Cricket’s Global Popularity & Fan Engagement
Cricket is more than a sport, it’s a passion for millions across India, Australia, England, and beyond.
With tournaments like IPL, ICC World Cup, and T20 leagues, the demand for fantasy cricket apps surges multiple times a year.
During IPL 2023, Dream11 saw a 40% spike in user activity, proving that these platforms thrive during major cricketing events.
What’s in it for you?
You can leverage seasonal events, create special contests, and engage users year-round, ensuring steady revenue flow.
If you’re looking to enter a high-growth, profitable market, building a fantasy cricket app can be an excellent investment.
The demand is strong, the revenue models are diverse, and the potential for growth is undeniable.
Average Cost to Develop a Fantasy Cricket App
So, how much does it really cost to develop a fantasy cricket app?
On average, fantasy cricket app development costs range between $30,000 to $150,000.
The actual cost depends on several factors, including app complexity, features, and the development team’s location.
Here’s a quick breakdown of fantasy sports app development cost estimates based on different levels of app development:
| App Type | Estimated Cost | Time Required |
| Basic App (limited features) | $30,000 – $50,000 | 3-4 months |
| Mid-Range App (more features, better UI/UX) | $50,000 – $100,000 | 4-6 months |
| Advanced App (AI-driven, real-time analytics, high-end UI) | $100,000 – $150,000+ | 6-9 months |
Cost Breakdown by Development Stage
To give you a clearer idea, here’s how the budget is typically distributed:
| Development Stage | Cost Range |
| UI/UX Design | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Front-end & Back-end Development | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| API Integrations (Live Scores, Payment Gateways, etc.) | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Testing & QA | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Deployment & Maintenance | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Key Takeaway: If you want a feature-rich fantasy cricket app, expect to invest at least $50,000 or more.
However, if you’re aiming for a basic MVP (Minimum Viable Product), you can start with a $30,000 budget and scale later.
Factors That Affect Fantasy Cricket App Development Cost
The cost to develop a fantasy cricket app isn’t a fixed number. It varies based on multiple factors, from feature complexity to platform choice, API integrations, and even the region where the app is developed.
If you’re planning to build a fantasy cricket app, understanding these cost-driving factors can help you budget effectively and avoid unexpected expenses.
Let’s break down these key factors and their impact on the fantasy cricket app development cost.
1. App Complexity & Features
One of the biggest factors affecting the cost to build a fantasy cricket app is the set of features included.
Here’s how different feature levels impact the overall cost:
| Feature Type | Examples | Cost Impact |
| Basic Features | User registration, team selection, match joining | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Advanced Features | AI-based player predictions, real-time match tracking | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Premium Features | Blockchain-based security, NFT-based player cards | $50,000+ |
If you’re aiming for a fully interactive fantasy cricket app, investing in advanced and premium features can boost user engagement and increase monetization opportunities.
2. UI/UX Design – The First Impression Matters
Your fantasy cricket app’s success isn’t just about functionality, it’s also about the user experience.
A well-designed UI/UX enhances usability, keeps users engaged, and encourages repeat visits.
Here’s a breakdown of UI/UX design cost:
| UI/UX Level | Features Included | Cost Estimate |
| Basic UI | Simple layouts, basic navigation | $5,000 – $8,000 |
| Interactive UI | Smooth animations, custom graphics | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| High-End UI/UX | 3D elements, immersive animations | $15,000 – $25,000 |
A good UI/UX design is essential to attract and retain users in the competitive fantasy cricket app market.
3. Platform Choice (Android, iOS, or Both?)
The platform you choose directly impacts the fantasy cricket app development cost.
If you develop an app for Android app development or iOS app development separately, the cost will be lower compared to building a cross-platform app that runs smoothly on both operating systems.
| Platform | Cost Estimate |
| Android Only | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| iOS Only | $15,000 – $40,000 |
| Both (Cross-Platform) | $30,000 – $80,000 |
A cross-platform fantasy cricket app is ideal if you want to reach a larger audience and maximize user acquisition.
4. Live Score & API Integrations
A fantasy cricket app must fetch live match data in real time. For this, third-party APIs like SportRadar, CricAPI, or RapidAPI are used.
The choice between free and premium APIs significantly impacts the cost to develop a fantasy cricket app.
| API Type | Data Provided | Cost Impact |
| Free APIs | Basic score updates | $0 – $1,000 |
| Paid APIs | Real-time stats, player analytics | $5,000 – $20,000 |
Integrating high-quality APIs ensures smooth gameplay and real-time engagement, making your fantasy cricket app stand out.
5. Development Team Location – Cost Differences by Region
Where you hire your fantasy cricket app developers also affects the app development cost. Development rates vary based on location.
| Region | Hourly Rate |
| India | $25 – $50 |
| Eastern Europe | $40 – $80 |
| USA & UK | $80 – $150 |
Hiring a fantasy cricket app development company in USA can significantly reduce costs while ensuring high-quality development.
6. Payment Gateway Integration
A fantasy cricket app needs secure payment gateways for user deposits, withdrawals, and contest entry fees.
| Payment Integration Type | Cost Estimate |
| Basic Payment Gateway | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Advanced Payment Gateway (Multi-currency, UPI, Wallets) | $10,000 – $20,000 |
A seamless payment gateway ensures user trust, which is crucial for fantasy cricket app monetization.
7. Security Features – Protecting User Data
Fantasy cricket apps handle sensitive user data, including financial transactions.
Advanced security measures are needed to prevent fraud and ensure compliance.
| Security Feature | Cost Estimate |
| Basic Security (SSL, Encrypted Payments) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Advanced Security (AI Fraud Detection, Blockchain) | $15,000 – $30,000 |
A secure fantasy cricket app development process includes firewall protections, multi-layer authentication, and data encryption.
8. Admin Panel & CMS Development
An admin panel helps manage user accounts, game rules, payments, and analytics.
| Admin Panel Type | Cost Estimate |
| Basic Admin Panel | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Advanced Admin Panel (AI-based Insights, CRM Tools) | $20,000 – $40,000 |
A feature-rich admin panel simplifies fantasy cricket app management and ensures smooth operations.
9. Testing & Quality Assurance – Ensuring Bug-Free Performance
No one likes glitches or crashes in a fantasy cricket app.
Investing in comprehensive testing helps deliver a smooth user experience.
| Testing Type | Cost Impact |
| Manual Testing | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Automated Testing | $10,000 – $20,000 |
A bug-free fantasy cricket app keeps users engaged and increases app retention rates.
10. Post-Launch Maintenance & Updates
Once your fantasy cricket app is launched, ongoing maintenance is necessary for updates, security patches, and new feature releases.
| Maintenance Type | Annual Cost Estimate |
| Basic Support | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Frequent Updates & Bug Fixes | $10,000 – $20,000 |
A well-maintained fantasy cricket app retains users and enhances long-term profitability.
While the primary development costs are well-known, there are hidden expenses that many businesses overlook when budgeting for a fantasy cricket app. These additional costs can impact your total investment and should be considered upfront to avoid surprises later.
Let’s dive into some hidden costs associated with fantasy cricket app development and how they affect the overall budget.
1. Licensing & Compliance Costs
Operating a fantasy cricket app legally requires gaming licenses and regulatory compliance, especially in markets like India, the U.S., and Europe.
| License Type | Applicable Region | Cost Estimate |
| Fantasy Sports License | India (Self-Regulatory) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Gambling & Gaming License | U.S., UK, Europe | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| GDPR & Data Compliance | Europe | $10,000+ |
| Payment Compliance (PCI-DSS, KYC, AML) | Global | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Why does this matter?
If you fail to comply with gaming regulations, your app could face legal issues, penalties, or even shutdowns.
2. App Store & Play Store Deployment Fees
To launch your fantasy cricket app, you need to publish it on platforms like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Each platform has its own one-time and recurring fees.
| Platform | Cost Estimate | Payment Type |
| Google Play Store | $25 | One-time fee |
| Apple App Store | $99/year | Recurring annual fee |
Pro Tip:
If you’re offering in-app purchases, both Google and Apple take a 15-30% commission on transactions, which impacts your revenue.
3. Cloud Hosting & Server Costs
A fantasy cricket app requires high-performance servers to handle real-time user interactions, live match data, and seamless gameplay. The cost depends on the traffic volume and server type.
| Server Type | Recommended For | Cost Estimate (Annual) |
| Shared Hosting | Small-scale apps, low traffic | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Dedicated Hosting | Mid-scale apps, moderate traffic | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Cloud Hosting (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) | Large-scale apps, high traffic | $15,000 – $50,000 |
Why is this important?
If your fantasy cricket app crashes during a high-traffic event like IPL or World Cup, users will leave, and you’ll lose revenue. Investing in reliable hosting ensures smooth gameplay and scalability.
4. Marketing & User Acquisition Costs
Developing an app is just half the battle, you also need a strong marketing strategy to attract users. Marketing expenses vary based on advertising platforms, user acquisition channels, and promotional strategies.
| Marketing Type | Estimated Cost |
| App Store Optimization (ASO) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Paid Ads (Google, Facebook, Instagram) | $5,000 – $50,000/month |
| Influencer Marketing & Sponsorships | $5,000 – $30,000 |
| Referral & Affiliate Programs | Custom Pricing |
Why should you budget for this?
Even the best fantasy cricket app will struggle to succeed without effective marketing. A strong launch campaign ensures higher downloads and long-term user engagement.
5. Customer Support & Community Management
A fantasy cricket app must have 24/7 customer support to assist users with payment issues, contest disputes, and technical problems.
| Support Type | Estimated Cost (Annual) |
| Email Support | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Live Chat & Call Support | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Multi-language Support | $20,000 – $50,000 |
What happens if you ignore this?
Poor customer support leads to negative reviews, user drop-offs, and loss of credibility in the fantasy cricket industry.
6. App Maintenance & Updates
Even after launching your fantasy cricket app, continuous maintenance, updates, and feature enhancements are necessary to stay competitive.
| Maintenance Task | Cost Estimate (Annual) |
| Bug Fixes & Minor Updates | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Security Patches & Compliance Updates | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Feature Enhancements & UI Upgrades | $15,000 – $30,000 |
Why is this essential?
If you don’t keep your app updated, users will move to better-performing fantasy cricket platforms.
These hidden expenses can increase the total fantasy cricket app development cost significantly. Proper budgeting ensures financial stability and helps you scale your app efficiently.
Popular Fantasy Cricket Apps & Cost to Clone Them
If you’re considering building a fantasy cricket app, it’s worth looking at the top-performing apps in the industry. These platforms have already proven their success with massive user bases and high revenue streams. Cloning their features and functionalities can help you develop a competitive fantasy cricket app while keeping the costs manageable.
Here’s a list of the most popular fantasy cricket apps and how much it would cost to develop a similar app.
1. Dream11 – The Market Leader
Users: 150+ million
Revenue: $350M+ in 2021
Dream11 is the largest fantasy cricket app, offering multiple contest formats, AI-based player analytics, and high-end security.
| Features | Estimated Cost |
| User Registration, Login | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Real-Time Score API Integration | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| AI-based Team Suggestions | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Payment Gateway Integration | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Admin Panel & Contest Management | $10,000 – $25,000 |
| Total Cost to Develop a Dream11-like App | $80,000 – $150,000 |
2. My11Circle – User-Centric Fantasy App
Users: 50+ million
Revenue: $100M+
My11Circle differentiates itself with personalized contests, user-friendly UI, and high user engagement strategies.
| Features | Estimated Cost |
| Custom Contest Creation | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| AI-Based Leaderboard | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| User Wallet & Withdrawals | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Player Stats & Analytics | $8,000 – $20,000 |
| Total Cost to Develop a My11Circle-like App | $70,000 – $130,000 |
3. MPL (Mobile Premier League) – Multi-Gaming Fantasy App
Users: 100+ million
Revenue: $300M+
MPL offers fantasy cricket along with other games, attracting users who prefer a multi-gaming experience.
| Features | Estimated Cost |
| Multi-Gaming Integration | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Fantasy Cricket Engine | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| AI-based Game Recommendations | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| High-End UI/UX | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Total Cost to Develop an MPL-like App | $100,000 – $180,000 |
4. FanFight – Budget-Friendly Fantasy App
Users: 10+ million
Revenue: $50M+
FanFight appeals to budget-conscious users with low entry fees and simple game mechanics.
| Features | Estimated Cost |
| Basic UI/UX | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Instant Withdrawals | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Referral Bonus System | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Total Cost to Develop a FanFight-like App | $50,000 – $100,000 |
5. BalleBaazi – Fantasy Cricket with Stock Market Concepts
Users: 5+ million
Revenue: $20M+
BalleBaazi allows users to invest in players like stocks, making it unique in the fantasy sports industry.
| Features | Estimated Cost |
| Player Investment System | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Stock-Like Pricing Engine | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Secure Wallet Transactions | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Total Cost to Develop a BalleBaazi-like App | $80,000 – $150,000 |
6. Gamezy – Multi-Language Fantasy Cricket
Users: 10+ million
Revenue: $30M+
Gamezy supports multiple languages to cater to regional cricket fans.
| Features | Estimated Cost |
| Multi-Language Support | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Instant Withdrawal System | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| AI-Powered Team Selection | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Total Cost to Develop a Gamezy-like App | $60,000 – $120,000 |
Cloning a popular fantasy cricket app isn’t just about copying features. To stand out, your app needs unique selling points (USPs), better user engagement strategies, and a superior user experience.
If you’re ready to build a fantasy cricket app, consider the market leaders but also innovate beyond them for long-term success.
Here’s How to Minimize Development Cost
Developing a fantasy cricket app can be a significant investment, but there are smart ways to cut costs without compromising quality. If you’re wondering how to reduce fantasy cricket app development costs, here are some effective cost-saving strategies to consider.
1. Start with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
Instead of developing a fully loaded fantasy cricket app from day one, start with an MVP, a basic version with only essential features.
| Feature | Included in MVP? | Development Cost |
| User Registration & Login | Yes | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Contest Creation & Joining | Yes | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Live Score Updates | Yes | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| AI-Based Team Predictions | No (Add Later) | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Multi-Currency Payments | No (Add Later) | $5,000 – $15,000 |
Potential Savings: Up to 40% on initial development costs
Why? Launching a basic fantasy cricket app allows you to test the market and gather user feedback before scaling up.
2. Use a White-Label Fantasy Cricket App
If you want to launch quickly and affordably, consider a white-label fantasy cricket app. These are pre-built solutions that can be customized with your branding.
| Development Approach | Cost Estimate | Time to Market |
| Custom Fantasy Cricket App | $50,000 – $150,000 | 4 – 9 months |
| White-Label Fantasy Cricket App | $10,000 – $40,000 | 1 – 3 months |
Potential Savings: Up to 60% on development costs
Why? White-label solutions allow you to enter the market faster with lower upfront investment.
3. Choose the Right Development Team & Location
The hourly rate of developers varies based on region, so outsourcing can save a huge amount on fantasy cricket app development costs.
| Location | Hourly Rate |
| USA & UK | $80 – $150/hr |
| Eastern Europe | $40 – $80/hr |
| India | $25 – $50/hr |
Potential Savings: Up to 70% by hiring a fantasy cricket app development company in India
Why? Indian developers offer high-quality services at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries.
4. Use Open-Source APIs Instead of Paid Ones
Fantasy cricket apps require real-time match data, which is often purchased from premium API providers like CricAPI or SportRadar. However, free APIs can also provide basic data at no cost.
| API Provider | Cost | Features |
| CricAPI (Free Plan) | $0 | Basic live score updates |
| RapidAPI (Paid Plan) | $5,000 – $20,000 | Advanced player stats, ball-by-ball data |
Potential Savings: Up to $20,000/year
Why? If you don’t need real-time advanced analytics, you can start with free APIs and upgrade later.
5. Use Hybrid App Development Instead of Native
Instead of developing separate Android and iOS apps, you can build a cross-platform fantasy cricket app using frameworks like Flutter or React Native.
| Development Approach | Cost Estimate |
| Native (Android + iOS) | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Cross-Platform (Flutter, React Native) | $30,000 – $70,000 |
Potential Savings: Up to 50% on app development costs
Why? A single codebase reduces development time, effort, and maintenance expenses.
6. Optimize Hosting & Cloud Costs
Many businesses overspend on hosting and cloud storage. By choosing cost-effective cloud services, you can cut recurring costs significantly.
| Hosting Provider | Annual Cost |
| AWS (Premium Cloud) | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| DigitalOcean (Affordable Cloud) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
Potential Savings: Up to $20,000/year
Why? Opting for a budget-friendly cloud provider helps in reducing infrastructure costs without affecting performance.
7. Automate Testing to Reduce QA Costs
Instead of relying entirely on manual testers, use automated testing tools to cut down quality assurance expenses.
| Testing Method | Cost Estimate |
| Manual Testing | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Automated Testing (Selenium, Appium) | $3,000 – $7,000 |
Potential Savings: Up to 30% on testing costs
Why? Automated testing reduces the time and cost spent on manual testing, making updates and bug fixes faster and cheaper.
8. Launch with a Referral Program Instead of Paid Ads
Instead of spending thousands on ads, leverage a referral program to attract users organically.
| Marketing Approach | Cost Estimate |
| Paid Ads (Google, Facebook, Instagram) | $5,000 – $50,000/month |
| Referral Program (Bonus & Discounts) | $2,000 – $10,000 |
Potential Savings: Up to 80% on marketing costs
Why? Referral programs encourage users to invite their friends, reducing customer acquisition costs significantly.
9. Choose a Subscription-Based Monetization Model
Instead of relying solely on contest entry fees, introduce subscription plans to create a steady revenue stream.
| Revenue Model | Profit Potential |
| Entry Fees + Commissions | 10-15% per contest |
| Subscription Model | Recurring revenue |
Potential Savings: Ensures consistent revenue flow
Why? A subscription-based model helps in reducing financial risks by generating a predictable income stream.
By making strategic choices, you can build a high-quality fantasy cricket app at an affordable price.
eBizneeds – Your Fantasy Cricket App Development Partner
Looking to build a fantasy cricket app that stands out in the market?
You need a trusted fantasy sports app development company that understands the industry, trends, and user demands.
That’s where eBizneeds comes in!
With years of experience in fantasy sports app development, we specialize in creating high-performance, feature-rich, and scalable fantasy cricket apps tailored to your business needs.
Whether you want a Dream11-like fantasy cricket app or a unique concept with innovative gameplay, we have the expertise to bring your vision to life.
Conclusion
Developing a fantasy cricket app is a profitable venture, but it requires careful planning, the right technology, and a well-structured budget. The cost to develop a fantasy cricket app can range from $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the features, platform, and development team you choose.
With fantasy sports growing rapidly, launching a fantasy cricket app now can position your business for long-term success. Whether you’re targeting IPL, T20 leagues, or global tournaments, having a feature-rich, secure, and engaging fantasy cricket platform is key to standing out.
FAQs
The cost to develop a fantasy cricket app ranges from $30,000 to $150,000, depending on the features, platform, and integrations required. A basic version may cost around $30,000 – $50,000, while a high-end app with AI-driven analytics and blockchain security can exceed $100,000.
The fantasy cricket app development process can take 3 to 9 months, depending on complexity, features, and customizations. A white-label solution can be launched in 1 to 3 months.
A fantasy cricket app must have:
– User registration & login
– Contest creation & joining
– Live score updates
– AI-based team suggestions
– Secure payment gateway
– Admin panel for user & contest management
Yes! You can minimize development costs by:
– Starting with an MVP (Minimum Viable Product)
– Using a white-label fantasy cricket app
– Hiring an offshore development team (e.g., in India)
– Leveraging free APIs and open-source solutions
A fantasy cricket app can generate revenue through:
– Entry fees & commissions (10-15% per contest)
– In-app advertisements
– Subscription plans & premium memberships
– Referral programs & sponsorships
Absolutely! eBizneeds specializes in fantasy cricket app development and can assist with design, development, API integration, deployment, and post-launch maintenance.
Naveen Khanna is the CEO of eBizneeds, a company renowned for its bespoke web and mobile app development. By delivering high-end modern solutions all over the globe, Naveen takes pleasure in sharing his rich experiences and views on emerging technological trends. He has worked in many domains, from education, entertainment, banking, manufacturing, healthcare, and real estate, sharing rich experience in delivering innovative solutions.
