Apollo Tyres to sponsor Indian cricket team's jersey following Dream11's exit

Following the exit of Dream11 as the Indian cricket team’s jersey sponsor, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday confirmed Apollo Tyres as the new lead sponsor of Team India.

The landmark partnership marks Apollo Tyres’ first-ever foray into Indian cricket and will run for two and a half years, starting on September 30 and concluding in March 2028. Under the agreement, the Apollo Tyres logo will feature on the jerseys of the Indian men’s and women’s national teams across all formats.

The partnership will be covering around 140 matches across bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and ACC events.

The tyre major replaces Dream11, whose ₹358-crore contract ended last month after the Online Gaming Act, 2025 banned money-based gaming, forcing the brand’s exit. India is currently playing the Asia Cup without a jersey sponsor.

According to people aware of the matter, Canva submitted the second-highest bid at ₹554 crore, while JK Cement offered ₹477 crore. Dubai-based Omniyat showed interest but did not bid, while Shankh Air was disqualified for not meeting eligibility norms. Media-buying firm WPP Media, which handles Apollo Tyres’ media planning, advised the company in the process. ITW Universe, representing Spinny, also opted out.

The cricket board had fixed a reserve price of ₹452 crore for the 2.5-year cycle, with a per-match floor of ₹3.5 crore for bilateral and ACC fixtures and ₹1.5 crore for ICC matches. The deal, finalised after a rigorous bidding process on September 16, is valued at around ₹4.5 crore per game — higher than Dream11’s ₹4 crore.

Canva and JK Tyre were among the other bidders, while Birla Optus Paints showed interest but refrained from entering the bidding. Media-buying firm WPP Media and sports consulting firm ITW Universe had also purchased bid documents, as reported earlier.

BCCI’s tender, floated on September 2, had barred brands associated with gaming, betting, crypto, and tobacco, along with categories like athleisure, banking, insurance, non-alcoholic beverages, mixer grinders, fans, and safety locks.

Welcoming Apollo Tyres, BCCI Honorary Secretary Devajit Saikia 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.”

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla added: “We are delighted to welcome Apollo Tyres as our new lead sponsor. This is a momentous occasion, bringing together two of India's most powerful and enduring legacies: the unwavering spirit of Indian cricket and the pioneering legacy of Apollo Tyres.”

From Apollo’s side, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar said: “Cricket’s unmatched popularity in India and worldwide makes it an honour for us to become the National Team Lead Sponsor of Team India. This partnership is about national pride, strengthening consumer trust, and showcasing Apollo as a true leader in our category.”

The jersey sponsorship of Team India remains among the most sought-after commercial rights in world cricket, having previously attracted top global and domestic brands including BYJU’s, Oppo, and Sahara.