Apollo Tyres wins Indian team sponsorship rights with INR 579 crore bid

Apollo Tyres wins Indian team sponsorship rights with INR 579 crore bid. (Photo source: Getty Images)

Apollo Tyres has secured the sponsorship rights of the Indian cricket team, outbidding Canva and JK Cements with a record-breaking offer of INR 579 crore. The deal spans three years and covers 121 bilateral matches along with 21 ICC fixtures, making it one of the most lucrative sponsorship agreements in Indian cricket history.

The Gurgaon-based tyre giant, which has operations in more than 100 countries, emerged victorious in a three-way race. While Canva placed a bid of INR 544 crore and JK Cements offered INR 477 crore, Apollo’s aggressive bid sealed the contract. The per-match value of the deal averages around INR 4.77 crore, though the exact figure may vary given the different base prices assigned to bilateral and ICC games. According to Cricbuzz, the BCCI had set a base price of INR 3.5 crore for bilateral matches and INR 1.5 crore for ICC World Cup games.

This landmark deal comes after the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) was forced to annul its contract with Dream11, following the enactment of Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which prohibited real-money gaming in India. Dream11 had an INR 358 crore deal with the board. With the directive arriving just ahead of the Asia Cup, the Indian team had to participate in the continental 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’ association with the national team will begin immediately. The first official international assignment under the new sponsorship will be India’s two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting October 2. This will be followed by a high-profile white-ball tour of Australia. Before that, however, fans will get a glimpse of the new sponsor’s logo during the India A vs Australia A one-day series in Kanpur on September 30, October 2, and October 5.

To ensure timely preparations, the BCCI has already informed selectors to finalise the India A squad early so that the jerseys can be readied. With this deal, Apollo Tyres not only strengthens its brand visibility but also joins the roster of companies that have adorned the Indian cricket jersey.