Apollo Tyres Signs Record INR 579 Crore Deal As Team India’s New Jersey Sponsor

Apollo Tyres was officially unveiled as the Indian cricket team ’s new jersey sponsor on Tuesday, marking its first-ever association with Indian cricket . The development comes shortly after Dream11’s deal with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was cut short due to the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill.

A Historic First for Apollo Tyres

The landmark sponsorship marks Apollo Tyres’ maiden foray into Indian cricket, a partnership that will run until March 2028. Under the agreement, the company’s logo will be featured prominently on the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s national teams across formats. With this, Apollo joins the ranks of high-profile brands that have associated themselves with Indian cricket’s global appeal.

BCCI Welcomes Apollo Tyres

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia expressed his excitement over the new collaboration. He said, "The arrival of Apollo Tyres as our new sponsor is a testament to the hard work and consistent performance of our teams. We are excited about this being Apollo's first major sponsorship in India cricket, which speaks volumes about the sport's unparalleled reach and influence. This is more than a commercial agreement; it's a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions."

Deal Value and Scope

According to reports, Apollo Tyres signed a deal worth INR 579 crore, which is significantly higher than the previous INR 358 crore agreement with Dream11. The contract covers 121 bilateral games and 21 ICC matches, ensuring the brand’s presence across high-profile tournaments and series. This makes it one of the most valuable jersey sponsorships in Indian cricket’s history.

Competitive Bidding

Cricbuzz reported that Apollo Tyres secured the deal after outbidding Canva and JK Cements, who placed offers of INR 544 crore and INR 477 crore, respectively. The competitive bidding process reflected the strong commercial interest in associating with Indian cricket, even after restrictions were placed on certain categories of companies.

Restrictions on Sponsors

The decision to invite fresh bids came after Dream11’s premature exit, triggered by the new “Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025”. The Act states that "no person shall offer any, aid, abet, induce, indulge, engage in offering online money gaming services nor shall involve in any advertisement which directly or indirectly promotes any person to play any online money game." The BCCI subsequently barred companies linked to online money gaming, cryptocurrency, and several other categories including alcohol, financial services, and sportswear manufacturers from participating in the tender.

Broader Significance for Apollo Tyres

For Apollo Tyres, the partnership represents a significant milestone in brand visibility and global outreach. The Indian cricket team’s enormous following, both domestically and internationally, ensures the tyre manufacturer unparalleled exposure. The company, headquartered in Gurugram, will now leverage cricket’s unmatched popularity to boost its consumer presence.

First Appearance with Team India

Apollo Tyres’ logo will make its first on-field appearance during the two-match home Test series against the West Indies starting October 2. The brand will also feature during India A’s three-match ODI series against Australia A in Kanpur, giving it instant international visibility.

A Boost for Indian Cricket’s Commercial Ecosystem

The partnership underscores the resilience of Indian cricket’s commercial ecosystem. Despite restrictions placed on several industries, brands continue to view association with Team India as a highly rewarding investment. The deal’s higher valuation compared to the previous contract demonstrates cricket’s enduring ability to attract premium sponsorships.