Key Points:
- Landmark Deal: Apollo Tyres has secured the jersey sponsorship rights for the Indian cricket team in a deal worth ₹579 crore, running until March 2028.
- Significant Increase: The tyre manufacturer will pay approximately ₹4.5 crore per bilateral match and ₹1.72 crore per ICC match, a substantial increase from Dream11’s ₹4 crore per game.
- Competitive Bidding: Apollo Tyres outbid competitors Canva (₹554 crore) and JK Cement (₹477 crore) in a rigorous bidding process held on September 16.
- Dream11’s Exit: The sponsorship became available after the BCCI’s deal with Dream11 was terminated following the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which banned real-money gaming platforms.
- Immediate Effect: The Apollo Tyres logo will feature on the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s national teams across all formats, starting with the upcoming tour of the West Indies.
Mumbai: Following a period of playing without a title sponsor during the ongoing Asia Cup, the Indian cricket team has secured a new jersey partner. Apollo Tyres has won the sponsorship rights in a landmark deal valued at ₹579 crore, marking the tyre giant’s first major foray into Indian cricket.
A Lucrative and Landmark Partnership
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced the partnership on Tuesday, highlighting the “substantial increase in sponsorship value” which signifies the “immense and growing commercial appeal of Indian cricket”.
The agreement, which will run for two and a half years until March 2028, will see Apollo Tyres pay approximately ₹4.5 crore for each bilateral match and ₹1.72 crore for each ICC fixture. This is a significant step up from the ₹4 crore per match paid by the previous sponsor, Dream11. The deal covers 121 bilateral matches and 20 ICC events over its tenure.
Devajit Saikia, the BCCI secretary, lauded the partnership, stating, “The arrival of Apollo Tyres as our new sponsor is a testament to the hard work and consistent performance of our teams. This is more than a commercial agreement; it’s a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions”.
The Bidding War
The new sponsor was selected through a competitive bidding process on September 16. Apollo Tyres emerged as the winner, staving off strong challenges from two other major companies.
- Apollo Tyres (Winner): Bid of ₹579.06 crore
- Canva: Bid of ₹554.48 crore
- JK Cement: Bid of ₹477.7 crore
Birla Optus Paints had also shown interest but did not participate in the final bidding process.
The Vacancy After Dream11’s Exit
The need for a new sponsor arose after the BCCI’s contract with online gaming platform Dream11 was prematurely terminated. This was a direct consequence of the Indian government’s enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which banned real-money gaming applications.
In the wake of this, the BCCI initiated a fresh bidding process on September 2, explicitly barring companies involved in real money gaming, cryptocurrency, or tobacco from participating. This led to the Indian team playing its Asia Cup matches in sponsor-less jerseys, a rare sight in modern cricket.
What’s Next for Team India’s Jersey
The Apollo Tyres logo will now be prominently displayed on the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s senior national teams across all formats of the game. Fans will likely see the newly branded kits for the first time during India’s upcoming tour of the West Indies, which begins with a Test match in Ahmedabad on October 2.
Neeraj Kanwar, Vice-Chairman and MD of Apollo Tyres, expressed his pride in the partnership, stating, “This partnership is about national pride, strengthening consumer trust, and showcasing Apollo as a true leader in our category, while supporting Indian sport at the highest level”. The deal not only provides a financial boost to the BCCI but also aligns the Indian cricket team with a major, homegrown manufacturing brand.
