Apollo Tyres has been named the new jersey sponsor of the Indian cricket team, with the deal running until 2027. This development follows the BCCI’s decision to end its contract with Dream11 after the government imposed a ban on betting-related apps. Under the agreement, Apollo Tyres will pay the BCCI ₹4.5 crore per match, exceeding Dream11’s previous payout of ₹4 crore.
The partnership is expected to offer the tyre brand significant global exposure, considering India’s busy international cricket schedule, and stands as one of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in recent Indian cricket history. Currently, the Indian men’s team has no sponsor during the ongoing Asia Cup, and the women’s team is also without a sponsor for their three-match ODI series against Australia.
It is still uncertain whether the women’s team will wear jerseys featuring Apollo Tyres during the upcoming Women’s World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30. Dream11 ended its role as the Indian team’s title sponsor starting from the men’s Asia Cup, following the government’s ban on real-money gaming under the newly passed Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act.
Ban on Real-Money Gaming Hits Fantasy Firms After ₹1,000 Crore Contribution To BCCI
Previously, Dream11 and My11Circle together contributed nearly ₹1,000 crore to the BCCI through their sponsorships of the Indian cricket team and the IPL. The ban on real-money gaming has affected the revenue generation of all fantasy gaming companies.
“…no person shall offer any, aid, abet, induce, indulge, engage in offering online money gaming services nor shall involve in any advertisement which directly or indirectly promotes any person to play any online money game,” the act states.
The Indian men’s team has begun their Asia Cup campaign on a high note with consecutive wins against the UAE and Pakistan, and are set to play their next match against Oman on September 19. Meanwhile, the women’s team started with a defeat to world champions Australia in Mullanpur and will aim to make a comeback in the second match on September 17.
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