October 2, 2025, Ahmedabad: In a moment of national pride, Apollo Tyres unveiled its logo on the Indian men’s cricket team jersey for the first time today at Ahmedabad, ahead of the opening Test match against the West Indies. This historic milestone follows the recent 3-year strategic partnership valued at ₹579 crore ($66 million) with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), marking one of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in Indian cricket history.
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A Landmark Partnership for Indian Cricket
Record-Breaking Deal Details
The Apollo Tyres-BCCI partnership represents a significant leap in cricket sponsorship value, with the company paying ₹4.5 crore per international match—surpassing the previous sponsor Dream11’s ₹4 crore per match. As we’ve covered in our Indian cricket sponsorship analysis, this deal reflects the growing commercial appeal of Team India on the global stage.
| Partnership Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Deal Value | ₹579 crore ($66 million) |
| Duration | 2.5 years (until March 2028) |
| Per Match Fee | ₹4.5 crore |
| Total Matches | 130+ fixtures (121 bilateral + 21 ICC) |
| Teams Covered | Men’s & Women’s teams, all formats |
From Women’s Team to Men’s: A Unified Brand Presence
Pioneering Appearance on Women’s Jersey
The Apollo Tyres logo first appeared on the women’s team jerseys two days earlier during their match against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, demonstrating the company’s commitment to gender equality in sports. This progressive approach aligns with trends we’ve highlighted in our women’s cricket sponsorship evolution coverage.
Symbol of National Unity
Cricket, often described as India’s heartbeat, holds a special place in millions of hearts. The presence of Apollo Tyres’ logo on both men’s and women’s team jerseys symbolizes a deep commitment to supporting the sport and celebrating the nation’s passion for cricket.
Leadership Vision and Strategic Goals
Neeraj Kanwar’s Statement on National Pride
Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Apollo Tyres Ltd, expressed the significance: “Our logo appearing on the Indian cricket teams’ jersey is a moment of great honour for us. Cricket unites the nation like no other sport, and through this association, we aim to go the distance with the teams and their supporters, embodying the spirit of determination, resilience and excellence.”
This sentiment resonates with our brand-sport partnership analysis, where we’ve explored how cricket sponsorships transcend commercial transactions to become matters of national identity.
BCCI Leadership’s Perspective
Devajit Saikia’s Welcome Statement
BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia stated: “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.”
Market Confidence Reflected in Bidding
BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla emphasized: “The competitive nature of the bidding process highlights the strong market confidence in the BCCI and the global brand of Team India.”
Why Apollo Tyres Replaced Dream11
Regulatory Changes in Online Gaming
The partnership comes after Dream11 was forced to exit due to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which banned real-money gaming companies from sponsoring sports in India. This regulatory change created an opportunity for Apollo Tyres to enter cricket sponsorship for the first time, as detailed in our sports sponsorship regulations coverage.
Strategic Benefits for All Stakeholders
For Apollo Tyres
- Global Visibility: Exposure across 100+ countries during India’s busiest international cricket calendar
- Brand Trust: Association with national icons strengthens consumer confidence
- Market Leadership: Positions Apollo as a category leader in the tyre industry
For BCCI
- Increased Revenue: ₹4.5 crore per match vs. ₹4 crore previously
- Financial Stability: Secured partnership amid regulatory uncertainties
- Development Funding: Resources for cricket infrastructure and player support
For Cricket Fans
- Fresh Jersey Design: New look featuring prominent Apollo Tyres branding
- Enhanced Experience: Partnership promises unforgettable moments and shared victories
- Gender Equality: Equal prominence on both men’s and women’s jerseys
Timeline and Future Fixtures
Immediate Debut Schedule
The Apollo Tyres logo will feature prominently across multiple formats:
- Test Series: India vs West Indies (starting October 2, 2025)
- ODI Series: Upcoming white-ball fixtures
- Women’s Matches: Ongoing series and ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
Our cricket calendar coverage provides comprehensive details about upcoming matches featuring the new Apollo Tyres branding.
Historical Context: Previous Sponsors
Sponsorship Evolution
The primary jersey sponsorship has seen several changes:
- Oppo (ended due to India-China tensions)
- Byju’s (2023, financial difficulties)
- Dream11 (2023-2025, regulatory exit)
- Apollo Tyres (2025-2028, current)
This partnership marks the first time a traditional manufacturing company from the automotive sector has become Team India’s lead sponsor, representing a shift from tech-focused sponsors.
Apollo Tyres: Company Background
Global Presence, Indian Pride
Operating in over 100 countries, Apollo Tyres brings its global expertise to Indian cricket. The company, headquartered in Gurugram, has previously partnered with European football teams and now enters cricket sponsorship with a massive commitment to Indian sports excellence.
Cultural Significance
More Than Commerce
This partnership transcends commercial considerations, representing:
- National Pride: Indian brand supporting Indian cricket
- Cultural Unity: Cricket as the nation’s binding force
- Shared Dreams: Company and fans united in supporting Team India
As explored in our sports marketing insights, such partnerships create emotional connections that extend far beyond traditional advertising.
Bottom Line
The Apollo Tyres-BCCI partnership marks a new chapter in Indian cricket sponsorship history. With the logo now adorning both men’s and women’s team jerseys, Apollo Tyres positions itself as a brand that goes the distance—supporting excellence, determination, and resilience. As Team India takes the field in the coming years, fans will witness not just cricket matches but a celebration of national pride embodied in every jersey.
The journey ahead promises shared victories, inspiring moments, and a strengthening of the bond between one of India’s leading corporations and the nation’s most beloved sport.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news and sponsorship developments by following our cricket coverage and sports business section.
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