Apollo Tyres has bagged the sponsorship rights of the Indian cricket team with a record-breaking ₹579 crore deal. The three-year agreement covers 121 bilateral matches and 21 ICC fixtures, making it one of the biggest sponsorship contracts in Indian cricket.
The Gurgaon-based company outbid Canva (₹544 crore) and JK Cements (₹477 crore) to win the rights. On average, the deal is valued at about ₹4.77 crore per match, though the exact amount changes depending on whether it’s a bilateral or ICC game. The BCCI had set a base price of ₹3.5 crore for bilateral matches and ₹1.5 crore for ICC events.
This new deal comes after the BCCI had to cancel its contract with Dream11 due to the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which bans real-money gaming in India. Dream11’s agreement was worth ₹358 crore. With the change coming just before the Asia Cup, India had to play the tournament without a jersey sponsor.
Devajit Saikia, Honorary Secretary, BCCI, said:
“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 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.”
Rajeev Shukla, Vice-President, BCCI, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Apollo Tyres as our new lead Sponsor. This is a momentous occasion, bringing together two of India’s most powerful and enduring legacies: the unwavering spirit of Indian cricket and the pioneering legacy of Apollo Tyres. The competitive nature of the bidding process highlights the strong market confidence in the BCCI and the global brand of Team India. We are confident that this partnership will be a driving force for mutual growth and success.”
Prabhtej Singh Bhatia, Treasurer, BCCI:
“This partnership is a testament to the immense value and global appeal of Indian cricket. Apollo Tyres’ commitment to innovation and its forward-thinking approach perfectly aligns with our vision for the future of the game. We are confident that this collaboration will be a huge success and will help us continue to grow the sport both in India and around the world.”
Rohan Gauns Dessai, Honorary Joint Secretary, BCCI:
“The BCCI’s partnership with Apollo Tyres is a reflection of the strong and consistent performance of Team India. We are excited to embark on this new journey with a partner that shares our passion for excellence. We extend our warmest welcome to Apollo Tyres and look forward to a long and fruitful association.”
Neeraj Kanwar, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Apollo Tyres Ltd said:
“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 national pride, 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.”
Apollo Tyres will start working with the national team immediately. India’s two-match Test series against the West Indies, which begins on October 2, will be the first formal international assignment under the new sponsorship. A well-known white-ball tour of Australia will come after this. But first, during the India A vs. Australia A one-day series in Kanpur on September 30, October 2, and October 5, spectators will get a first peek at the new sponsor’s logo.
The BCCI has already advised selectors to finalize the India A squad as soon as possible so that the jerseys can be prepared in time. In addition to increasing brand awareness, this agreement adds Apollo Tyres to the list of businesses that have branded the Indian cricket uniform.
