MS Dhoni, Jasprit Bumrah Back LightFury Games as Startup Raises $11M to Build Next-Gen Cricket Game

Indian gaming startup LightFury Games has raised $11 million in a pre-Series A round, with backing from cricket stars including MS Dhoni and Jasprit Bumrah, marking a significant crossover between professional sport and gaming innovation. The funding positions the studio to scale development of its flagship cricket title and strengthen its presence in India’s fast-growing gaming market.

The round saw participation from a mix of institutional investors and strategic backers, with high-profile cricketers lending both capital and credibility to the venture. Alongside Dhoni and Bumrah, Hardik Pandya has also backed the company, signalling strong athlete confidence in the product vision.

The investment will be used to expand development capabilities, enhance gameplay realism, and scale distribution, as LightFury aims to fill a long-standing gap in cricket gaming.

“I’ve seen a lot of cricket games over the years, and there’s always been something missing. When LightFury showed me what they were working on, I felt they were trying to close that gap,” said Dhoni, underscoring the product’s ambition.

LightFury’s upcoming title is designed as a free-to-play cricket game, integrating monetisation through in-app purchases such as player cards, cosmetic upgrades, stadium enhancements, and season passes, while avoiding any real-money gaming elements.

The focus, according to investors, is on authentic gameplay and fine margins, replicating real-world cricket dynamics rather than simplifying the sport for gaming formats. This approach aims to differentiate the product in a market where cricket titles have often struggled with realism and depth.

With athlete backing, fresh capital, and a clear product strategy, LightFury is positioning itself at the intersection of sport, technology, and entertainment, targeting both gaming audiences and cricket fans at scale.