New Delhi: Apollo Tyres has officially been named the new jersey sponsor for the Indian cricket team, securing a lucrative deal that will see them pay approximately Rs 4.5 crore for each bilateral match. This figure represents a notable increase from the Rs 4 crore previously paid by Dream11, the former sponsor. The sponsorship agreement is slated to run until March 2028 and covers an estimated 130 international fixtures.
Over the entire sponsorship period, which includes 121 bilateral matches and 20 ICC (International Cricket Council) fixtures, Apollo Tyres’ total commitment will reach a staggering Rs 579.06 crore. Their winning bid of Rs 4.5 crore per bilateral game and Rs 1.72 crore for each ICC fixture ultimately outshone all other contenders.
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia expressed enthusiasm for the new partnership, stating, “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 Indian cricket, which speaks volumes about the sport’s unparalleled reach and influence. This is more than a commercial agreement; it’s a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions.”
Sources indicate that Canva and JK Cement were also strong contenders in the bidding process. Interestingly, Birla Optus Paints had shown initial interest in the sponsorship but opted not to participate in the formal bidding.
The official bidding process for the jersey sponsorship concluded on September 16.
The BCCI had previously issued an Expression of Interest for the Indian team’s Lead Sponsor Rights on September 2. The board explicitly stated that certain categories, including gaming, betting, crypto, and tobacco brands, were ineligible to bid. Furthermore, athleisure and sportswear manufacturers, banking and financial institutions, non-alcoholic cold beverage companies, and various consumer goods brands (fans, mixer grinders, safety locks, and insurance providers) were also excluded from participation.
Sponsorship Bidders for Indian Cricket Team’s Jersey
| Sponsor | Rate per Bilateral Game (Cr) | Bilateral Matches | Rate per ICC Game (Cr) | ICC Matches | Total (Cr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Tyres | 4.5 | 121 | 1.72 | 20 | 579.06 |
| Canva | 4.28 | 121 | 1.83 | 20 | 554.48 |
| JK Cement | 3.7 | 121 | 1.5 | 20 | 477.7 |
The search for a new sponsor became urgent following Dream11’s withdrawal. Their departure was a direct consequence of the government’s newly enacted Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025, which significantly impacted the brand’s operations.
Currently, the Indian cricket team is participating in the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi without a primary jersey sponsor.
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