Bumper Deal! Apollo Tyres Signs ₹4.5 Crore-Per-Match Sponsorship With Team India
In a landmark commercial development for Indian cricket, Apollo Tyres has officially been announced as Team India’s new jersey sponsor. The deal, finalised after a competitive bidding process conducted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), will run until 2027 and is valued at approximately ₹4.5 crore per match.
The jersey sponsorship of Team India has historically been one of the most prestigious and valuable commercial rights in global cricket. Over the years, brands such as BYJU’s, Oppo, Star India, Nike, and Sahara have partnered with the Men in Blue, making the front-of-shirt sponsorship a coveted spot for both Indian and international corporations.
Apollo Tyres Wins the Bid
According to BCCI’s announcement, Apollo Tyres secured the rights after emerging as the highest bidder in the tender process that concluded on September 16. Other contenders in the fray included Canva and JK Tyre, while Birla Optus Paints showed initial interest but opted out of submitting a formal bid.
The deal follows the termination of Dream11’s contract earlier this year. The fantasy sports platform had stepped in as jersey sponsor in mid-2023 but was forced to withdraw due to compliance concerns with the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, which imposed restrictions on money-gaming companies sponsoring sports entities.
BCCI’s Stricter Eligibility Criteria
In this cycle, the BCCI adopted a stricter set of eligibility rules for potential sponsors, ruling out entire categories of businesses. Companies linked with betting, gambling, cryptocurrency, tobacco, and online money gaming were barred outright from participating.
Additionally, categories already tied with the Indian cricket ecosystem, such as sportswear, banks, insurance companies, and non-alcoholic beverage brands, were excluded to avoid conflicts of interest and overlapping partnerships.
BCCI insiders believe the new criteria reflect the board’s vision of aligning Indian cricket sponsorships with responsible industries and creating long-term brand synergies with companies that have both credibility and mass consumer reach.
A Gap Finally Filled
India has been competing in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 without a jersey sponsor, marking a rare sight for the Men in Blue. The women’s cricket team also played its three-match ODI series against Australia without a sponsor’s logo on their kit.
The Apollo Tyres deal will now restore commercial stability for the BCCI. With the Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026 and multiple high-profile ICC events coming up in India, the timing of this sponsorship ensures maximum visibility for the brand.
Apollo Tyres’ Growing Sports Portfolio
Apollo Tyres, one of India’s leading tyre manufacturers, is no stranger to high-profile sports sponsorships. The company has previously partnered with leading football clubs such as Manchester United and Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, and Borussia Mönchengladbach in Germany’s Bundesliga.
By associating with Team India, Apollo now cements its place in the cricketing world, gaining visibility across millions of fans in India and abroad.
What It Means Going Forward
With an estimated valuation of ₹4.5 crore per game, this sponsorship will significantly contribute to BCCI’s revenue streams and highlights the enduring commercial value of Indian cricket despite stricter sponsorship regulations.
For Apollo Tyres, the partnership is expected to boost brand recall on a global scale, especially with Team India scheduled to feature in high-stakes tournaments over the next two years.
As per reports, the logo of Apollo Tyres will make its first appearance on Team India’s jerseys from the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025, beginning later this month.
