Apollo Tyres Signs as New Jersey Sponsor of Indian Cricket Team

A Historic Partnership

The Board of Control for Cricket in India has confirmed Apollo Tyres as the new lead sponsor of Team India, succeeding Dream11, whose contract ended following regulatory shifts in the online gaming industry. This agreement will see Apollo Tyres’ branding on the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s teams across all formats from September 2025 until March 2028.

For Apollo, this sponsorship represents much more than visibility. It is a defining moment that connects the brand with India’s most loved sport and places it on a global stage where millions of fans watch every match.

Bigger Than Dream11

The deal is valued at approximately ₹4.5 crore per game, surpassing the ₹4 crore per match valuation of Dream11’s earlier contract. Over the next two and a half years, the partnership will cover around 140 fixtures, including bilateral series, ICC championships, and ACC tournaments.

The BCCI had pegged the reserve price for this sponsorship cycle at ₹452 crore, with a minimum rate of ₹3.5 crore for bilateral and ACC matches and ₹1.5 crore for ICC events. Apollo’s entry at a higher valuation underscores the continuing rise in the commercial power of Indian cricket.

A Competitive Bidding Race

Several prominent companies lined up for the bid, reflecting the immense prestige of this sponsorship slot. Canva came in with a ₹554 crore offer, while JK Cement submitted a bid of ₹477 crore. Dubai-based Omniyat expressed strong interest but refrained from a final bid, while Shankh Air was disqualified on technical grounds. Birla Optus Paints and Spinny also evaluated the opportunity before pulling out.

In the end, Apollo’s winning offer showcased both its ambition and its readiness to step into the sporting limelight.

Voices of Confidence

BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia hailed the partnership as a reflection of the unmatched appeal of Indian cricket, crediting Team India’s consistency and performance for attracting such strong sponsorship interest. Vice-President Rajeev Shukla emphasized the synergy between the heritage of cricket and Apollo’s brand journey.

Apollo Tyres’ Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar described the partnership as an honour tied to national pride. He stressed that the association would not only elevate Apollo’s consumer trust but also reinforce its leadership within the tyre industry.

Carrying Forward a Legacy

The Team India jersey sponsorship has long been one of the crown jewels of global sports marketing. Previous sponsors like BYJU’s, Oppo, and Sahara have leveraged the platform for massive brand visibility and cultural impact. Apollo Tyres now joins that legacy, representing a new chapter for both the company and the sport’s commercial ecosystem.

The Bigger Picture

This deal is not merely about logo placement. It is about embedding Apollo into the emotional connection cricket carries in India and around the world. With higher visibility than its predecessor Dream11, Apollo stands to benefit from the unmatched reach of Indian cricket, making this one of the most strategic brand-building opportunities in recent years.

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