Cricket in India is not just a game, it is like a festival. Every small update about Team India becomes big news for fans. Recently, there was an important change in the team’s jersey sponsorship. A PTI report confirmed that Apollo Tyres is now the new jersey sponsor for Team India, replacing Dream11. This big announcement was made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Tuesday.
Why Did India Need a New Sponsor?
Earlier, Dream11 was the sponsor of Team India’s jersey. But after the government passed a new law that banned real-money gaming platforms, including Dream11, the sponsorship had to end. This left the Indian team without a jersey sponsor while they were already playing in the Asia Cup in Dubai. Fans noticed that the team’s jersey looked quite plain without a sponsor’s name in the center.
A New Chapter in Team India’s Jersey Story
BCCI quickly started searching for a new sponsor, and Apollo Tyres won the deal. According to reports, Apollo Tyres will pay around Rs 4.5 crore for every match. This amount is more than what Dream11 was paying earlier, which was about Rs 4 crore per game. The agreement is a long one, running till March 2028, which means Team India will have Apollo’s name on their jerseys for the next two and a half years. Overall, BCCI is expected to earn nearly Rs 600 crore from this sponsorship.
What BCCI Said About the Deal
In an official statement, BCCI called this partnership a “landmark” moment. They said Apollo Tyres is a leader in the tyre industry and it is their first time sponsoring Indian cricket. The board also mentioned that this deal shows how much commercial value Indian cricket holds today. The Apollo Tyres logo will now be seen on the jerseys of both the men’s and women’s Indian whether it’s whites or colored jerseys, men’s or women’s matches.
Other Brands in the Race
Apollo Tyres was not the only company interested in this deal. Canva and JK Tyre were also competing to become India’s jersey sponsor. Even Birla Optus Paints wanted to be part of it, but they were not ready for the strict bidding process. In the end, Apollo Tyres won the battle and signed the deal with BCCI.
Fresh Guidelines for Future Partners
After Dream11’s exit, BCCI made some stricter rules for companies that wanted to bid. Brands related to betting, gaming, crypto, and tobacco were not allowed. Even categories like sportswear, banking, cold drinks, and insurance were declared ineligible. This was done to keep the sponsor’s image in line with cricket’s values and the spirit of the game.
What’s Next for Team India Jerseys?
It is not clear if the men’s team will start wearing the new sponsored jerseys during the Asia Cup itself. But reports say that the women’s team is likely to wear them in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Fans are excited to see the new look of the jersey and to cheer for Team India with Apollo’s name proudly displayed on it.
Final Note
This new partnership between BCCI and Apollo Tyres is not just about money, but also about pride. For Apollo Tyres, it is a chance to be part of the nation’s favorite sport. For Team India, it means having strong support both on and off the field. With this new chapter, the bond between cricket and its fans will only grow stronger.