In a landmark move for both Indian cricket and one of India’s most established tyre manufacturers, Apollo Tyres has been named the new lead sponsor of Team India, replacing Dream11. The deal runs through March 2028, covering all formats and both men’s and women’s national teams.
Dream11, which had sponsored Team India since 2023, had to step away following new restrictions on real-money gaming advertisements under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025. The BCCI floated fresh tenders, and Apollo Tyres secured the rights after a competitive bidding process, beating out several other interested brands.
The Deal at a Glance
- Value: ₹579 crore for the full term of the sponsorship.
- Duration: Approximately 2½ years (from September 2025 to March 2028).
- Matches Covered: Around 121 bilateral matches plus 21 ICC events.
- Per-match rate: About ₹4.5 crore per game. This is higher than what Dream11 had been paying.
About Apollo Tyres
Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Gurugram, Apollo Tyres has grown into a global brand with operations in over 100 countries and manufacturing facilities in India, the Netherlands, and Hungary. The company produces a wide range of tyres for cars, trucks, two-wheelers, and industrial vehicles under the “Apollo” and “Vredestein” brands.
Why This Sponsorship Matters
For Apollo Tyres, the partnership is a chance to step into one of the most visible platforms in world sport. Cricket in India commands unmatched attention, and with the jersey sponsor’s logo seen by millions daily, Apollo is positioning itself not just as a tyre manufacturer but as a household name aligned with Indian pride.
Sponsorship bidders for Indian cricket team’s jersey:
| Sponsor | Rate per Bilateral Game (cr) | Bilateral Matches | Rate per ICC Game (cr) | ICC Matches | Total (cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Tyres | 4.5 | 121 | 1.72 | 20 | 579.06 |
| Canva | 4.28 | 121 | 1.83 | 20 | 554.48 |
| JK Cement | 3.7 | 121 | 1.5 | 20 | 477.7 |
For the BCCI, the deal brings financial stability and ensures the board continues to attract high-value, credible sponsors even amid regulatory shifts. The ₹579 crore agreement also surpasses Dream11’s previous deal, highlighting the growing commercial value of Indian cricket.
A New Chapter in Jersey Sponsorship
Over the years, brands like Sahara, Star India, OPPO, Byju’s, and Dream11 have been part of Team India’s journey. With Apollo Tyres stepping in, the jersey once again reflects India’s evolving corporate landscape—moving from tech and gaming to a strong, traditional manufacturing brand with global ambitions.
