Cricket in India is more than just a sport—it’s a religion that unites millions of fans across the nation. Sponsorship deals with the Indian cricket team are some of the most valuable in the sporting world, offering unmatched visibility and brand recall. After the exit of Dream11, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Apollo Tyres as the new principal jersey sponsor for Team India.
This development marks a major shift in the sponsorship landscape of Indian cricket. The partnership brings with it a higher deal value, longer duration, and wider exposure opportunities for Apollo Tyres. In this blog, we’ll break down the details of the deal, why Dream11 exited, what Apollo Tyres gains, and how this impacts Indian cricket as a whole.
Why Did Dream11 Exit as Jersey Sponsor?
Dream11, a fantasy gaming platform, had signed a deal with BCCI worth around ₹358 crore. However, recent government regulations shook up the online gaming sector in India.
- The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025 banned real-money online gaming and prohibited advertisements and sponsorships from such platforms.
- This legal change made Dream11’s position as a jersey sponsor unsustainable.
- As a result, BCCI had to terminate the contract early and open the sponsorship slot for bidding again.
This regulatory move highlights how non-sport factors like government policies and legal frameworks can directly impact sports business deals.
Apollo Tyres Steps In: The New Deal
Apollo Tyres, a global tyre manufacturing giant, won the sponsorship rights after outbidding other major contenders. Here are the key details of the new deal:
- Deal Value: Approximately ₹579 crore.
- Per Match Sponsorship Fee: Around ₹4.5 crore per match (higher than Dream11’s ₹4 crore).
- Duration: About 2.5 to 3 years, lasting until March 2028.
- Matches Covered:
- 121 bilateral matches
- 21 ICC matches
- Branding Rights: Apollo Tyres logo will appear on the front of the Indian cricket team jersey across all formats (men’s and women’s teams).
This makes it one of the most valuable jersey sponsorship deals in Indian cricket’s history.
The Competitive Bidding Process
According to reports, several big brands participated in the bidding:
- Canva (offered ₹554 crore)
- JK Cement (offered ₹477 crore)
- Apollo Tyres won with the highest bid of ₹579 crore
This shows the level of competition and the premium value attached to Team India’s jersey, which is seen by millions of fans globally during international matches.
Why Apollo Tyres Chose Cricket Sponsorship
Apollo Tyres has a history of sports sponsorships, including associations with European football clubs like Manchester United. The move to sponsor Team India is a strategic one for several reasons:
- Unmatched Visibility
- Cricket dominates the Indian sports market, and every match delivers massive viewership both in India and abroad.
- Global Brand Positioning
- India’s matches are broadcast globally, giving Apollo Tyres international visibility.
- Emotional Connect with Fans
- Sponsoring the jersey creates an emotional connection with millions of cricket lovers.
- Marketing & Merchandising Opportunities
- Apollo Tyres’ branding will extend to team merchandise, promotional campaigns, and digital campaigns.
Benefits for BCCI
For the BCCI, the deal comes as a big win:
- Higher Financial Gains: From ₹358 crore with Dream11 to ₹579 crore with Apollo Tyres.
- Financial Stability: These funds contribute to infrastructure development, domestic cricket support, and player welfare programs.
- Compliance with Regulations: Partnering with a reputed, non-controversial brand like Apollo Tyres ensures smooth regulatory approval.
Impact on Team India and Fans
- New Jerseys: Fans will soon see the Apollo Tyres logo on Team India’s jerseys across formats.
- Merchandise Transition: Official merchandise will shift from Dream11 to Apollo Tyres branding, which may excite collectors.
- Public Sentiment: Fans are likely to welcome the move since Apollo Tyres is a respected homegrown brand.
Sponsorship in Indian Cricket: A Bigger Picture
The Apollo Tyres deal underlines a few major trends in Indian cricket sponsorship:
- Rising Sponsorship Values
- Each new deal fetches a higher value, proving cricket’s unmatched commercial power in India.
- Shift in Industry Categories
- Earlier sponsors were from tech and fantasy gaming; now traditional industries like tyres are stepping up.
- Government Policy Influence
- Regulatory actions (like the gaming ban) can directly reshape sponsorship landscapes.
Strategic Marketing Opportunities for Apollo Tyres
Apollo Tyres can leverage this deal in multiple ways:
- Integrated Campaigns: Use cricket-themed advertising to promote tyres as strong, durable, and reliable—just like Team India’s performance.
- Fan Engagement: Launch contests, digital campaigns, and cricket-inspired branding initiatives.
- Global Branding: Use international tournaments like ICC World Cups to enhance global awareness.
Challenges Ahead
While the deal is a big win, there are challenges too:
- ROI Measurement: Apollo Tyres must ensure the investment translates into real market growth.
- High Expectations: Fans and media will closely watch how Apollo leverages the sponsorship.
- Transition Phase: Switching branding from Dream11 to Apollo Tyres across jerseys and merchandise requires careful execution.
Conclusion
The announcement of Apollo Tyres as Team India’s new jersey sponsor marks a significant milestone in Indian cricket’s commercial journey. By replacing Dream11, Apollo Tyres not only gains massive brand visibility but also establishes itself as a patriotic, trusted Indian brand supporting the nation’s most loved sport.
For BCCI, the deal ensures higher revenues, compliance with legal frameworks, and long-term stability. For fans, it’s an exciting new chapter in how their favorite team represents India on the global stage.
❓ FAQs
Q1: Who is Team India’s new jersey sponsor?
Apollo Tyres has been named as Team India’s new principal jersey sponsor after Dream11’s exit.
Q2: Why did Dream11 exit the sponsorship deal?
Due to the government’s ban on real-money online gaming and sponsorship restrictions, Dream11 had to exit its contract with BCCI.
Q3: How much is the Apollo Tyres sponsorship deal worth?
The deal is valued at around ₹579 crore, making it one of the biggest jersey sponsorships in Indian cricket.
Q4: How long is the Apollo Tyres deal with BCCI?
The contract will run for approximately 2.5 to 3 years, until March 2028.
Q5: How many matches are covered under the deal?
The sponsorship covers 121 bilateral matches and 21 ICC matches.
Q6: What does Apollo Tyres gain from this sponsorship?
Apollo Tyres gains unmatched brand visibility, fan connect, merchandising opportunities, and global recognition.
Q7: Will the Apollo Tyres logo appear on both men’s and women’s jerseys?
Yes, the sponsorship covers both men’s and women’s Indian cricket teams across all formats.
