Following Dream11’s exit, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come up with a piece of good news for Indian cricket. Apollo Tyres— India’s reputed multinational tyre company, officially joined as Team India’s New Jersey partner.
As per the latest reports, Apollo Tyres bagged the sponsorship deal two-and-a-half years worth INR 579 crore, which is indeed 28% higher than the minimum requirement price. It includes 121 bilateral matches and 20 games in ICC tournaments spanning till March 2028.
Apollo Tyres Outbeats its Competitor Bids
While Birla Opus Paints didn’t take part in the bidding process despite showing interest in investing, the other two competitors, namely Canva and JK Cement, placed bids for INR 553 crore and INR 477 crore, respectively.
However, Apollo Tyres acquired the deal by bidding an additional INR 26 crore after a highly competitive bidding process.
A Breakdown of INR 579 Crore Jersey Sponsorship Deal
The new deal values around INR 4.77 crore per match, with slight pricing differences between the matches in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
Earlier, the BCCI set base rates that Dream11 offered worth INR 3.5 crore for bilateral fixtures and INR 1.5 crore for the World Cup encounters.
However, Apollo Tyres bid a higher aggregate of INR 4.5 crore and INR 1.7 crore per match for bilateral and ICC matches each.
A New Jersey Sponsor Found: BCCI’s Demands Fulfilled
The Indian government’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act imposed a ban on all real-money gaming platforms. This decision forced Dream11 to withdraw its sponsorship deal with BCCI, a year before its scheduled completion.
Later, BCCI invited bids for the Indian team’s sponsorship rights via an Expression of Interest on September 02 (Tuesday).
The Indian cricket board strictly prohibited the participation of gaming, crypto, betting, alcohol, and tobacco companies from taking part in the bidding process.
Additionally, the board sought to exclude other categories like banking, non-alcoholic beverages, electrical appliances, athleisure, and insurance companies to ensure there was no overlap with the existing sponsors.
Ultimately, the BCCI has found a sponsor that has an annual turnover as well as the potential to invest INR 300 crore. This collaboration has surpassed Dream11’s previous deal of INR 358 crore with the board.
New Sponsor Logo Display on India’s Jersey
Starting from the 2-match test series against West Indies on October 02, the new logo will feature on Team India’s jersey.
Right now, the Indian men’s cricket team is participating in the Asia Cup 2025 wearing a sponsorless jersey.
Likewise, the women’s team jersey is without a sponsor in the ongoing 3-match ODI series against Australia at home.
Also, the new logo will make its debut on India A jersey in the 3-match ODI home series against Australia scheduled on September 30, October 02, and October 05. Currently, India A is competing against Australia A in the multi-format series.
‘More than a Commercial Agreement’: BCCI Secretary
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia believes that the sponsorship deal with Apollo Tyres helps to expand the sport’s reach and influence:
“Yes! Apollo Tyres is a testimony to the hard work and consistency exhibited by our teams. This is indeed Apollo’s first-ever major sponsorship with the Indian cricket team, thereby highlighting clearly about the sport’s unforeseen heights and influence.
Beyond a commercial agreement, this is one such partnership that collaborates two reputed groups to earn belief and respect from millions of fans,” Saikia said.
BCCI Vice President Welcomes Apollo Tyres Sponsorship Deal
Rajeev Shukla, the vice-president of BCCI, points out the competitive nature of the bidding process to acquire the jersey sponsorship deal:
“Certainly! It is a proud moment to welcome Apollo Tyres as our key sponsor. This is a main occasion to unite India’s two most powerful and long-lasting traditions.
The uncompromising spirit of Indian cricket and the legacy of Apollo Tyres, the competitive nature of the bidding process. This is due to the strong market backing in the BCCI and the internationally recognized brand of the Indian cricket team.
This partnership promises to be a significant force for collaborative growth and success,” Shukla said.
Conclusion
Apollo Tyres, making its entry as India’s core jersey sponsor, promises to maintain the most outstanding partnership in the cricket world. This deal comes at the right moment when the entire real money gaming platforms had to shut down, which made an immense contribution to the cricket sponsorships.
Despite a premature exit of Dream11, BCCI has adhered to its standards by preferring a long-term collaboration with a reputed company rather than signing an interim deal ahead of the Asia Cup 2025.
The higher bids from a Gurgaon-based tyre manufacturer, a tech giant, and a cement brand outline the enduring appeal of partnering with the Indian cricket team.