Shamik Chakrabarty, Mumbai
Apollo Tyres will be the Indian team’s new sponsor in a two-and-a-half-year deal until March 2028, the BCCI has confirmed. The Indian multinational tyre manufacturing company, which is also the global tyres partner of Manchester United, will replace Dream11 as Team India’s new sponsor, reportedly paying Rs 4.5 crore per game. For the BCCI, it’s a significant jump from the previous deal.
“This marks Apollo Tyres’ first-ever foray into India cricket, a strategic move to align with a sport that resonates deeply with the nation,” the BCCI stated in a press release.
Dream11 reportedly spent Rs 4 crore per game. The fantasy sports platform’s Rs 358-crore three-year deal, running through 2026, abruptly ended after the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill 2025 that banned real-money online gaming.
“The arrival of Apollo Tyres as our new sponsor is a testament to the hard work and consistent performance of our teams,” BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said. “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. This is more than a commercial agreement; it’s a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions.”
The BCCI released the invitation for ‘Expression of Interest for National Team Lead Sponsor Rights’ on September 2. The bidding took place on September 16. Canva and JK Tyre were reportedly the other two bidders.
While inviting tenders, the BCCI put out the list that prohibited brand categories: “i) Alcohol Products; (ii) Betting or Gambling Services; (iii) Cryptocurrency; (iv) Online Money Gaming or any such activities prohibited under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025; (v) Tobacco; and (vi) one which is likely to offend public morals such as, including but not limited to, pornography.”
The Indian team is playing the Asia Cup without a shirt sponsor.
Follow Revsportz for latest sports news