In a landmark development for Indian cricket, Apollo Tyres has clinched the coveted sponsorship rights of Team India with a record-breaking bid of ₹579 crore. The Gurgaon-based tyre giant outpaced rivals Canva (₹544 crore) and JK Cements (₹477 crore) in a three-way race, marking its debut sponsorship venture in Indian cricket.
The deal, which spans two-and-a-half years, covers 121 bilateral games and 21 ICC fixtures, working out to nearly ₹4.77 crore per game. This figure represents a significant jump from previous sponsorship values, highlighting the soaring commercial appeal of Indian cricket on the global stage.
“The new partnership, secured after a rigorous bidding process, represents a substantial increase in sponsorship value, signifying the immense and growing commercial appeal of Indian cricket,” the BCCI said in a statement.
Neeraj Kanwar, vice-chairman and managing director of Apollo Tyres Ltd, described the deal as a moment of national pride. “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 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.”
The BCCI had to scout for a new sponsor after Dream11’s deal was terminated following a government ban on real-money gaming companies. This unexpected turn left the Indian team without a jersey sponsor during the Asia Cup currently underway in the UAE.
Apollo Tyres’ first major appearance on the Indian jersey will be during the upcoming India A vs Australia one-day series in Kanpur, beginning September 30. The official debut with the senior men’s team will follow in the two-Test series against the West Indies starting October 2, before the high-profile white-ball tour of Australia.
Interestingly, industry insiders were initially skeptical about strong responses to BCCI’s tender, especially after the government order sidelined big gaming players. Yet, Apollo’s winning bid exceeded expectations by nearly ₹200 crore more than Dream11’s earlier deal worth ₹358 crore. Mumbai-based WPP Media is understood to have overseen Apollo’s bid valuation.
Devajit Saikia, BCCI secretary, welcomed the partnership, calling it more than just a financial deal. “The arrival of Apollo Tyres as our new sponsor is a testament to the hard work and consistent performance of our teams. This being Apollo’s first major sponsorship in Indian cricket speaks volumes about the sport’s unmatched reach and influence. This is not just a commercial agreement; it’s a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions.”
For Apollo Tyres, which already has a footprint in over 100 countries, this collaboration marks an ambitious leap into the world’s most lucrative cricket market. For Indian cricket, it signals yet another endorsement of its unmatched global stature.
