Apollo Tyres replaces Dream11 as Team India’s new jersey sponsor till 2027, inking one of the most lucrative deals in Indian cricket.
If cricket is a religion in India, then sponsorship is the sacred thread tying together passion, power, and a whole lot of paisa. And guess what? Apollo Tyres just became the newest “holy thread” of Team India’s jersey. Move aside Dream11 — the tyre giant is here to make every run, wicket, and six roll smoother.
India changes its jersey sponsor more often than we change our Netflix password.
The Big Switch: From Dream11 to Apollo Tyres
On September 16, 2025, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officially announced Apollo Tyres as the new jersey sponsor for Team India, securing rights until 2027. This move came after the BCCI decided to end its contract with Dream11, largely due to the government’s growing restrictions on betting-related applications.
Apollo Tyres, with its global presence and brand legacy, brings not only financial power but also credibility and stability to the Indian cricket ecosystem.
And here’s the juicy bit: Apollo will pay ₹4.5 crore per match, surpassing Dream11’s earlier contribution of ₹4 crore. That’s a cool 50 lakh extra every game — enough to buy a fleet of luxury cars or a lifetime supply of pani puris for every cricket fan in India.
Why Apollo Tyres?
Apollo Tyres isn’t new to the sponsorship world. The company has earlier tied up with global football clubs like Manchester United and Bundesliga teams. By stepping into Indian cricket, Apollo is shifting gears into a space where brand exposure is not just big — it’s colossal.
Think about it: Every time Rohit Sharma smashes a six, every time Virat Kohli screams “come on,” every time Jasprit Bumrah polishes the ball, Apollo’s logo will be right there on the jersey. That’s visibility across billions of eyeballs.
No other advertising medium gives this scale. Not hoardings. Not social media ads. Not even the latest viral dance reel on Instagram.
The Business of Cricket Sponsorship
Let’s be honest — cricket sponsorship is less about passion and more about numbers. And boy, do these numbers matter.
India plays over 40 international matches a year (including Tests, ODIs, and T20s). At ₹4.5 crore per match, Apollo will shell out nearly ₹180 crore annually just for jersey rights. Over two years, that’s ₹360 crore+.
But here’s the catch: the return on investment is priceless. With a cricket-crazy nation of 1.4 billion people and global audiences tuning in for World Cups, Asia Cups, and IPL tie-ins, Apollo Tyres will now enjoy unmatched global brand recognition.
And let’s not forget, sponsorship deals also often come with side perks — ads, campaigns, digital branding, and special promotions that bring even more attention to the brand.
What This Means for BCCI
For the BCCI, this deal is another feather in an already overcrowded cap. The world’s richest cricket board has managed to turn every sponsorship slot into a gold mine.
Earlier, Byju’s, Oppo, Sahara, Star India — and most recently, Dream11 — have all been in the jersey sponsor lineup. But Apollo Tyres, with its slightly higher payout and non-controversial industry background, gives the BCCI what it loves most: big money with minimal headache.
This also signals BCCI’s growing insistence on staying away from betting or gambling-linked sponsors, which aligns with larger government guidelines.
Fans React: From “Dream Team” to “Tyre Team”?
Of course, no cricket update is complete without fans adding their masala. Within minutes of the announcement, Twitter (sorry, X) and Instagram were flooded with memes.
Some popular ones included:
- “From fantasy cricket to real tyres — talk about a downgrade in dreams.”
- “Now every time we lose a match, Apollo can say the team’s tyres got punctured.”
- “Virat Kohli celebrating a century: Apollo — Now that’s some real mileage!”
The internet never disappoints.
Apollo Tyres: The Road Ahead
For Apollo, this deal is not just about jerseys. It’s about positioning itself as a global brand with Indian roots. Cricket sponsorship is set to help Apollo boost sales, build stronger global recognition, and align its identity with India’s most-loved sport.
With this partnership, Apollo joins the elite club of brands that have leveraged cricket for maximum impact. Think Pepsi in the ’90s (Nothing Official About It still echoes), or Nike’s famous “Bleed Blue” campaign.
If Apollo plays its branding game smart, cricket might just be the turbo boost it needs to leapfrog into the global top tier of tyre companies.
Historical Context: Jersey Sponsors of Team India
Over the years, India’s jersey sponsors have included:
- Sahara India (2001–2013) – The iconic sponsor every 90s kid remembers.
- Star India (2014–2017) – When cricket met TV glamour.
- Oppo (2017–2019) – The “green patch” era.
- Byju’s (2019–2022) – Edtech meets cricket, with mixed fan reactions.
- Dream11 (2023–2025) – A short stint cut short due to betting links.
- Apollo Tyres (2025–2027) – The new kid on the block, aiming for a smooth ride.
Each sponsor brought its own flavor, but Apollo has a unique opportunity: to tie its brand identity to a sport that runs through India’s veins.
What’s Next?
Now that Apollo Tyres is the official jersey sponsor, fans can expect a wave of new campaigns, hashtags, and probably even a few quirky ads featuring cricketers juggling cricket balls with tyres.
And who knows? The next time you buy tyres for your car, you might just say, “Bhai, Apollo lagao — yeh toh Virat bhi pehenta hai!”
So, what do you think about Apollo Tyres stepping in as the new sponsor for Team India? Will this partnership add extra mileage to the brand or just skid on the pitch of cricket fandom?
👉 Share your thoughts in the comments below.
👉 Hit that share button if you think cricket and business are the ultimate power couple.
👉 And stay tuned — because in India, cricket sponsorships change faster than the pitch at Chepauk.
Related Post
“Swiggy Fee Hike: Your Food is Hot, But So is the Bill”
