Apollo Tyres replaces Dream11 in a major deal lasting until March 2028.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced Apollo Tyres as the new jersey sponsor for Team India. This comes after Dream11 had to step down due to new government rules banning real-money gaming platforms.
What’s the deal?
- Apollo Tyres will pay about Rs 4.5 crore per game, which is more than Dream11’s Rs 4 crore per game.
- The sponsorship will last for two and a half years, ending in March 2028.
- The Apollo Tyres logo will appear on the jerseys of both India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams.
- The deal is expected to earn BCCI around Rs 600 crore.
BCCI’s official statement:
“Today, BCCI announces a landmark partnership with Apollo Tyres, a global leader in tyres, as the new lead sponsor of Team India. This is Apollo Tyres’ first sponsorship in Indian cricket, aligning with a sport loved by millions,” said the BCCI.
Who else wanted the sponsorship?
Canva and JK Tyre also bid for the sponsorship but lost to Apollo Tyres. Birla Optus Paints showed interest but did not participate in the bidding.
Sponsorship rules tightened
Following Dream11’s exit after the Online Gaming Bill passed, BCCI set strict rules banning sponsors from gaming, betting, crypto, tobacco, and some other industries.
When will the new jerseys appear?
It’s unclear if the men’s team will wear Apollo Tyres jerseys during the ongoing Asia Cup in the UAE. However, the women’s team is likely to wear them in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
