Now, Apollo Tyres has taken a big step by becoming the title sponsor of the Indian cricket teams. Cricket is India’s most popular sport, loved by millions, and this partnership gives Apollo Tyres huge visibility and connects the brand with fans across the country.
For Vice Chairman and Managing Director Neeraj Kanwar, this sponsorship is more than just marketing. It is also a personal passion for sports and a way to reach rural markets, where cricket has a strong influence. The move also shows Apollo’s dedication to supporting grassroots sports and India’s sporting future.
With this partnership, Apollo Tyres is combining its love for sports with its business goals, making a strong mark both on and off the field.
Apollo Tyres & BCCI Partnership
Apollo Tyres is now the title sponsor of the Indian cricket team, partnering with BCCI to boost brand visibility and support cricket across India.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Apollo Tyres |
| Category | Indian Cricket Team Jersey Sponsor |
| Replaces | Dream11 |
| Duration | 3 years (until 2027) |
| Visibility | Team jerseys, merchandise & events |
How Apollo Tyres Secured the Indian Cricket Team Sponsorship
Apollo Tyres won the sponsorship of the Indian cricket team by offering the highest bid in a tough competition. The bidding took place on September 16, 2025, with three big companies competing for the deal.
By outbidding the others, Apollo Tyres secured the partnership, giving the brand a strong connection with cricket fans across India.
| Company | Rate per Bilateral Game | Rate per ICC Game | Total Bid (₹ crore) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apollo Tyres | 4.5 | 1.72 | 579.06 | Winner |
| Canva | 4.28 | 1.83 | 554.48 | Lost |
| JK Cements | 3.7 | 1.5 | 477.7 | Lost |
The new deal covers 121 bilateral games and 20 ICC matches over three years. Apollo Tyres won the sponsorship by bidding ₹35 crore more than Canva and ₹102 crore more than JK Cements, showing how serious they were about securing the partnership.
This change happened after the previous sponsor, Dream11, exited early. The fantasy gaming platform faced government scrutiny under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
Dream11’s deal was supposed to last until 2026, but their early exit led the BCCI to invite new bids. After careful evaluation, Apollo Tyres emerged as the winning sponsor.
Apollo Tyres’ Sponsorship: Boosting Brand and Visibility
Apollo Tyres has made a major move in Indian sports by signing a sponsorship deal worth around ₹579 crore with the BCCI. Under this deal, the company will pay roughly ₹4.5 crore per bilateral or non-ICC match, slightly higher than the ₹4 crore per match previously paid by Dream11.
As part of the agreement, the Apollo Tyres logo will feature on the front of both the men’s and women’s team jerseys in all formats, including overseas tours and ICC events, following ICC’s jersey guidelines.
Why this matters for Apollo Tyres
Known for its performance, reliability, and growing global presence, Apollo Tyres sees this partnership as a strategic step to strengthen its brand image. Cricket enjoys an unparalleled fan base in India, making it an ideal platform for exposure across TV, digital media, and merchandising.
This is Apollo’s first major national cricket sponsorship. Top management, including Vice-Chairman and MD Neeraj Kanwar, emphasizes that the move is about more than just business growth. It reflects values like confidence, excellence, and national pride.
Though ₹579 crore is a significant investment, Apollo expects substantial benefits: strong brand recall, higher sales in both OEM and replacement markets, and a premium, trustworthy identity in a highly competitive tyre industry.
Challenges Apollo Tyres May Face
Making the Sponsorship Work: Just putting the Apollo logo on the Indian cricket team jerseys is not enough. The company needs smart marketing, good distribution, and interesting stories so fans see Apollo Tyres as more than just a sponsor.
Following Rules: Apollo must follow all ICC and BCCI guidelines. During big tournaments, there may be limits on how the logo can appear on jerseys and other promotions.
Cost vs. Profit: This is a big investment. Since tyre profit margins can be small, Apollo has to make sure the extra revenue from this deal is worth the money spent.
Managing Brand Risk: Sports partnerships during a cricket series can be unpredictable. Team performance, controversies, or public opinion during the series can impact the brand image, so Apollo needs a clear plan to manage any potential risks.
Conclusion
Apollo Tyres’ partnership with the Indian cricket team is a big milestone in the company’s journey in Indian sports. By becoming the title sponsor, Apollo gets huge visibility among cricket fans across the country and strengthens its brand image and presence in important markets, including rural areas.
The deal comes with challenges, such as ensuring effective marketing, following regulations, and managing brand risks. However, the potential benefits of strong brand recognition, increased sales, and a premium identity make it a smart and promising investment.
Overall, the sponsorship reflects Apollo Tyres’ commitment to sports, excellence, and national pride. In the lead-up to the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 Schedule, it creates a win-win situation for both the brand and Indian cricket.
