The wait is finally over! After months of playing without a front-of-shirt sponsor, Team India has found its new commercial partner. In a landmark announcement that has sent ripples across the cricket world, Apollo Tyres has secured the coveted jersey sponsorship rights, replacing Dream11 as the Men in Blue’s primary sponsor.
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The Big Numbers That Tell the Story
The Gurgaon-based tyre giant emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive bidding process, clinching the rights with a stunning bid of ₹579 crore. This isn’t just any ordinary sponsorship deal—it represents the highest jersey sponsorship agreement in Indian cricket history, surpassing Dream11’s previous ₹358 crore contract by a significant margin.
Apollo Tyres vs Competition – Bidding Breakdown:
| Company | Bid Amount | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Apollo Tyres | ₹579 crore | Winner |
| Canva | ₹544 crore | Runner-up |
| JK Cements | ₹477 crore | Third place |
| Birla Optus Paints | Expressed interest | Did not bid |
From Wheels to Wickets: Apollo’s Sports Journey
Apollo Tyres isn’t a newcomer to sports sponsorship. The company has built an impressive portfolio that spans across multiple sports and continents. Their existing partnerships include Manchester United, AS Monaco, Chennaiyin FC, and even cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar as their brand ambassador.
This strategic move into cricket’s biggest stage makes perfect business sense. With cricket being followed by over 1.5 billion fans globally, having your brand on Team India’s jersey is like having a billboard in every cricket-loving household worldwide.
The Dream11 Exit: A Regulatory Reality Check
The need for a new sponsor arose after Dream11 was forced to exit due to the newly implemented Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025. The legislation effectively banned real-money gaming platforms from sports sponsorships, leaving one of cricket’s most valuable advertising spots vacant.
Team India has been competing in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 without a jersey sponsor—a rare sight that had fans wondering when the BCCI would fill this crucial commercial void. The Apollo Tyres announcement couldn’t have come at a better time, with major series lined up against the West Indies starting October 2.
What Makes This Deal Special?
The three-year agreement runs until March 2028 and covers an extensive fixture list:
Deal Coverage:
- 121 bilateral fixtures across all formats
- 21 ICC tournament matches
- Both men’s and women’s teams included
- Average ₹4.77 crore per game (varying by match type)
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia captured the essence perfectly: “This is more than a commercial agreement; it’s a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions.”
BCCI’s Smart Strategy: Learning from Experience
After the Dream11 debacle, the BCCI took no chances with their tender process. The board explicitly barred companies from industries such as betting, gambling, cryptocurrency, online money gaming, and tobacco from participating in the bidding process.
This strategic approach ensured that only stable, long-term partners could bid, protecting both the board and the team from future regulatory surprises.
When Will We See the Logo?
Cricket fans won’t have to wait long to see Apollo Tyres adorning the famous blue jersey. The company’s logo is expected to make its debut during the upcoming India vs West Indies Test series starting October 2, 2025. The timing ensures immediate visibility across prime global audiences, giving Apollo maximum exposure from day one.
The Business Impact: A Win-Win Partnership
For Apollo Tyres, this partnership opens doors to unprecedented brand visibility across more than 100 countries where they operate. The association with Team India—one of the world’s most successful cricket teams—aligns perfectly with their brand values of performance, reliability, and excellence.
From the BCCI’s perspective, this deal represents commercial stability and growth. The ₹579 crore investment will fuel grassroots development, infrastructure improvements, and the continued professionalization of Indian cricket.
Bottom Line: Apollo Tyres’ record-breaking sponsorship deal marks a new chapter in Indian cricket’s commercial evolution. With clear regulatory compliance, impressive financial commitment, and a proven track record in sports marketing, this partnership promises to be a home run for both cricket and business. As the Apollo logo prepares to grace the most watched jersey in world cricket, fans can expect this marriage of rubber and willow to drive Indian cricket to even greater heights.
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