"Won 1 Lakh in 3 Months Through Fantasy Cricket—Not Proud, But I am Done"

Disclaimer: Don't ever dare to play fantasy So, I’ve always been a cricket nerd. Stats, matchups, pitch conditions—you name it, I knew it. A few months ago, I started dabbling in Fantasy Cricket. At first, it was just for fun during the Women’s World Cup. A friend dared me to join a ₹100 league, and, surprisingly, I won ₹3,000. That’s when it all began.

From there, I got hooked. I started studying players’ performances, head-to-head stats, and even weather conditions like I was preparing for some cricketing PhD. The Women’s World Cup was my playground. I’d make calculated guesses—like picking all-rounders who could perform with both bat and ball—and my teams often clicked. By the end of the tournament, I had made ₹40K.

Then came the Big Bash League (BBL) and some bilateral international series. That’s when things got crazy. I’d spend hours researching which Aussie batter was dominating on flat tracks or which pacer would get swing in evening matches. There was one game where I gambled big—₹5,000 on a league—and my vice-captain ended up taking a 5-wicket haul. That match alone earned me ₹25K.

By the time I hit ₹1 lakh, I wasn’t feeling as great as I thought I would. Sure, the money was insane for someone my age, but the process was draining. I’d get anxious before matches, refreshing live scores constantly, praying my picks would perform. On bad days, I’d lose ₹10K in a single game, and the only way I’d recover was by risking more. It was like walking a tightrope, and one slip could’ve sent me crashing.

Now, I’ve decided to quit. I’ve cashed out, deleted my accounts, and told myself I’m done. Fantasy Cricket may seem like an easy way to make money, but it messes with your head. I still love watching cricket—the thrill of a close chase or a stunning catch—but I want to enjoy it without constantly calculating points in the back of my mind.

If you’re thinking about trying Fantasy Cricket, just know it’s not all wins and glory. It’s a slippery slope, and for every “₹1 lakh winner,” there are countless people losing their savings.

Anyone else been down this road? Let me know if you’ve managed to quit—or if you’re stuck in the cycle.