Apollo Tyres has clinched the jersey sponsorship rights for the Indian cricket team.
The tyre company will reportedly shell out INR 4.5 crore per match, higher than Dream11’s INR 4 crore, under a deal estimated at INR 579 crore. The three-year agreement runs through 2027, covering 121 bilateral fixtures and at least 21 ICC matches.
The deal comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) terminated its contract with the online gaming company, following a ban on real money gaming applications.
The Indian men’s team currently has no sponsor in the ongoing Asia Cup, while the women’s team is also without a sponsor in the three-match ODI series against Australia.
This is after the BCCI's deal with Dream11 was cut short following the enactment of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, which banned real-money gaming applications.
On 2 September, the BCCI had invited bids for the Indian team's jersey sponsorship rights after Dream11 pulled out. The Indian board barred companies dealing in real money gaming and cryptocurrency from the process due to the government ban on such entities.
Rajeev Shukla, vice president, BCCI, said, "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. The competitive nature of the bidding process highlights the strong market confidence in the BCCI and the global brand of team India. We are confident that this partnership will be a driving force for mutual growth and success."
Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, treasurer, BCCI, added, “This partnership is a testament to the immense value and global appeal of Indian cricket. Apollo Tyres’ commitment to innovation and its forward-thinking approach perfectly aligns with our vision for the future of the game. We are confident that this collaboration will be a huge success and will help us continue to grow the sport both in India and around the world.”
Neeraj Kanwar, vice chairperson and managing director, Apollo Tyres, 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, while supporting Indian sport at the highest level and creating unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.”
