In a major shake-up in Indian cricket sponsorship, Apollo Tyres has officially stepped in as the new jersey sponsor of Team India, taking over after Dream11’s unexpected exit. The move marks a new chapter in the partnership between corporate India and cricket, as Apollo becomes the face on the jersey of one of the most followed teams in the world.
Why Did Dream11 Exit?
Dream11’s exit wasn’t just a business decision, it was forced by regulation. The Indian government recently passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, which effectively banned real-money gaming, including fantasy sports.
This directly impacted Dream11, making its continued association with Team India legally and reputationally risky. As a result, the BCCI had to quickly find a new sponsor to fill a high-visibility and high-value slot and that’s where Apollo Tyres entered the picture.
What’s the Deal?
Under the new agreement:
- Apollo will pay ₹4.5 crore per match
- Beating the previous ₹4 crore per match (Dream11)
This is a step up from earlier deals, and it shows how much value Team India’s brand continues to command, even in a changing sponsorship climate.
Apollo’s Track Record in Sports Sponsorship
Apollo Tyres is no stranger to the sports world. While this is its first direct tie-up with Indian cricket, it has been steadily building its brand presence through sports both in India and globally. Here are five key partnerships from most recent to earlier:
- Team India (Cricket) – Jersey Sponsor – 2025–2027
- Manchester United FC – Global Tyre Partner – Partnership extended in 2025
- Chennaiyin FC (Indian Super League) – Principal Sponsor – Since 2017, renewed in 2020
- Minerva Punjab FC (I-League) – Title Sponsor – 2017–2022
- Crystal Palace FC (Premier League) – Official Tyre Partner – Started in 2017
This shows Apollo’s clear strategy: use sports ; particularly football and now cricket to connect emotionally with millions of fans.
Why This Matters for India
For Indian cricket, this sponsorship ensures financial stability, especially with higher per-match rates. It also aligns better with public sentiment and government norms, moving away from gambling-linked sponsors. The deal brings in more resources for grassroots development, women’s cricket, and infrastructure critical areas as India’s sporting ambitions grow.
It also shows that cricket doesn’t need to rely on controversial industries. Strong, legacy Indian companies are ready to invest and that’s a win for the sport.
Why It Makes Sense for Apollo
For Apollo, this is a marketing jackpot. Team India jerseys are seen by hundreds of millions globally not just during matches, but across social media, commercials, and pop culture. It helps Apollo deepen its brand roots in India while reinforcing its global image as a performance-driven, fan-first company.
More than just logos, Apollo also runs grassroots campaigns like United We Play with Manchester United, helping young talent in India get real exposure so there’s a clear CSR and long-term vision in place.
Conclusion
As Dream11 exits and Apollo steps in, this isn’t just a sponsor swap. It reflects the changing face of Indian sports. where values, regulations, and brand alignment matter more than ever. For Apollo, it’s a bold move onto the cricketing stage. For Indian cricket, it’s a chance to build on clean, strong partnerships that go beyond the boundary.
Written by: Hubaish
