BCCI Names Apollo Tyres as New Sponsor of Indian Cricket Team

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has finalized its search for a new lead sponsor for Team India, marking the beginning of a landmark association with Apollo Tyres. The Gurgaon-headquartered tyre giant clinched the rights after an intense bidding battle, investing a massive ₹579 crore for the sponsorship. This three-year deal covers both bilateral fixtures and ICC tournaments, placing Apollo’s brand at the heart of global cricket’s biggest stage.

Apollo Tyres Clinches Sponsorship Rights

Apollo Tyres emerged victorious after a fiercely competitive bidding process, surpassing industry heavyweights like Canva and JK Cements. While Canva bid ₹544 crore and JK Cements offered ₹477 crore, Apollo Tyres secured the sponsorship with its record-breaking ₹579 crore proposal.

The deal spans 121 bilateral matches and 21 ICC fixtures, ensuring the Apollo logo enjoys prime placement on Team India jerseys across domestic and international competitions.

A Record-Breaking Sponsorship Deal

This agreement sets new benchmarks in Indian cricket sponsorship. On average, the sponsorship works out to around ₹4.77 crore per game, significantly higher than the BCCI’s base price of ₹3.5 crore for bilateral games and ₹1.5 crore for ICC matches.

By crossing these thresholds, Apollo Tyres’ winning bid reflects the unmatched commercial value of Indian cricket, where sponsorships, media rights, and advertising opportunities attract some of the world’s largest corporations.

Why BCCI Needed a New Sponsor

The hunt for a new lead sponsor began after Dream11, the fantasy sports platform, withdrew from the role. Its exit was triggered by the government’s Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which restricted such companies from sponsorships linked to sports teams.

To prevent similar disruptions, the BCCI introduced stricter eligibility norms for the bidding process. Companies involved in betting, gambling, cryptocurrency, online gaming, or tobacco products were barred from participating. This ensured that the sponsorship pool remained compliant with Indian laws and attracted long-term, credible partners.

Apollo Tyres: A Global Brand on a Bigger Stage

Apollo Tyres, which operates in over 100 countries worldwide, has long been a trusted name in the automotive and tyre industry. By winning this sponsorship, the company has achieved a significant breakthrough in global brand visibility.

As Team India’s lead sponsor, Apollo’s logo will now be showcased on one of the most watched jerseys in the world. Whether during bilateral series at home, ICC World Cups, or other international tournaments, the partnership will provide Apollo with unmatched global exposure.

Impact on Indian Cricket’s Commercial Ecosystem

This landmark sponsorship deal reaffirms the financial dominance of Indian cricket in the global sporting economy. With record-breaking bids from multiple companies, the auction highlighted the growing demand for brand association with Team India.

The BCCI’s ability to command such valuations demonstrates its unrivalled market position, where sponsorship rights continue to scale new highs. Over the next three years, Apollo Tyres’ association will strengthen both the commercial and brand image of Indian cricket.

A Win-Win Partnership

For Apollo Tyres, this sponsorship deal goes beyond marketing—it signifies alignment with India’s most powerful sporting identity. For the BCCI, securing a high-value sponsor like Apollo validates the sport’s commercial strength and cultural influence.

As the partnership unfolds, cricket fans will witness Apollo Tyres’ branding alongside some of the most defining moments in Indian cricket, from bilateral clashes to ICC tournaments, cementing this as a landmark sponsorship in sports history.

Conclusion

The Apollo Tyres–BCCI deal is more than just a sponsorship; it’s a strategic partnership that underscores the global appeal of Indian cricket. With a record-breaking bid of ₹579 crore, Apollo Tyres has secured unparalleled visibility and reinforced its ambition to be recognized as a world-class brand.

For the BCCI, this successful sponsorship auction highlights the enduring dominance of Indian cricket, both on and off the field.