From 358cr to 579cr! Days after Dream11's exit, Apollo Tyres takes over as Team India's jersey sponsor

It is reliably learnt that the deal, that will run through March 2028, is valued at Rs 579 crore, higher than the Rs 358 crore agreement with Dream 11 for the same duration.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has roped in Apollo Tyres as the new jersey sponsor for the national team following the exit of online game platform Dream11.

It is reliably learnt that the three-year deal is valued at Rs 579 crore, higher than the Rs 358 crore agreement with Dream 11 for the same duration. The deal with the tyre major covers 121 bilateral games and 21 ICC games.

The BCCI was left without a shirt sponsor for the team after the government banned real money gaming platforms including Dream 11 under a new legislation.

The Indian team is currently playing the Asia Cup in Dubai without a title sponsor.

"Apollo Tyres in the new lead sponsor of Team India," BCCI posted on their X handle.

Dream 11 shut down its real money games due to the 'Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act 2025', which states that "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 BCCI had released the invitation for Express of Interest for the team's lead sponsor rights earlier this month, confirming that there will be no shirt sponsor for the ongoing Asia Cup.

The BCCI had barred companies dealing in real money gaming, cryptocurrency, tobacco, and alcohol from the process.

The announcement also comes ahead of the BCCI AGM on September 28 when fresh election will be held.

"This is more than a commercial agreement; it's a partnership between two institutions that have earned the trust and respect of millions," said BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia.

Apollo Tyres is a multinational company headquartered in Gurugram. The tyre maker has manufacturing units in India and abroad, including Europe.

"This marks Apollo Tyres' first-ever foray into India cricket, a strategic move to align with a sport that resonates deeply with the nation.

"The new partnership, secured after a rigorous bidding process, represents a substantial increase in sponsorship value, signifying the immense and growing commercial appeal of Indian cricket," the BCCI statement added.

(with agency inputs)