The big question on everyone’s mind after Dream11’s exit: Which brand would take the coveted spot on the “Indian cricket jersey”? Apollo Tyres has secured the rights, locking in a monumental INR 579 crore deal. This agreement spans two-and-a-half years and covers 121 bilateral games along with 21 ICC matches, marking Apollo’s debut in the realm of cricket sponsorship.
The Gurgaon-based tyre giant successfully outbid Canva and JK Cements, who placed bids of INR 544 crore and INR 477 crore, respectively. Although BCCI did not disclose the exact bid initially, they confirmed the substantial jump in the value, highlighting the increasing retail power of Indian cricket.
Neeraj Kanwar, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Apollo Tyres, remarked, “This isn’t just a partnership; it’s about national pride and building consumer trust. We’re proud to be leaders in our field while supporting Indian cricket on the global stage.”
A Game-Changing Moment for Indian Cricket Sponsorship
The deal is a game-changer, coming at a time when Indian cricket had to face the Asia Cup without a jersey sponsor following the annulment of Dream11’s sponsorship due to a government ban on real-money gaming. Apollo Tyres now steps into that gap, proudly showcasing its brand on the Indian team’s jersey.
At roughly INR 4.77 crore per match (with slight variations for bilateral versus ICC matches), the deal reflects the immense appeal of Indian cricket. According to reports, BCCI had set a base price of INR 3.5 crore for bilateral games and INR 1.5 crore for ICC World Cup games. This sponsorship deal marks a considerable increase in value, reflecting the growing global reach of Indian cricket.
The Unmatched Popularity of Indian Cricket
Indian cricket continues to thrive in terms of its global appeal, and this sponsorship deal underscores that strength. Apollo Tyres, already an internationally recognized brand, now has the chance to connect with millions of cricket fans not just in India, but across the globe.
“Apollo Tyres’ partnership with the Indian cricket team is a reflection of the worldwide reach and excellence that Indian cricket embodies,” said Kanwar, emphasizing that this partnership is more than just a business opportunity—it’s about creating lasting connections with fans and cementing Apollo’s position as an industry leader.
Apollo Tyres’ Deal: A Historic Step Amid Market Shifts
Many had questioned whether the sponsorship tender could attract substantial bids, especially after the ban on real-money gaming companies. However, Apollo Tyres stunned the critics by offering a bid INR 200 crore higher than Dream11’s previous deal, demonstrating the strength of Indian cricket’s commercial value.
This deal also marks a pivotal moment in Indian cricket’s evolving sponsorship landscape. Despite the challenges, Indian cricket continues to grow in stature, drawing major international brands like Apollo Tyres to invest heavily in the sport.
What’s Next for Indian Cricket Sponsorships?
Now that Apollo Tyres is officially the sponsor for the Indian cricket team, their logo will be proudly displayed on the jerseys during the India A series against Australia. This marks just the beginning of a potentially long-lasting and impactful partnership. We may even see their logo in the Asia Cup Final, further solidifying the brand’s connection with Indian cricket.
But it’s not just about promoting a brand; it’s about motivating Indian local brands to expand globally and earn trust within markets that value quality and innovation. This deal also serves as a source of pride for Indian cricket fans, knowing that a domestic brand is making waves on the global stage.
Looking ahead, other international brands may follow in Apollo’s footsteps, further boosting the appeal of Indian cricket and opening up new opportunities for Indian brands to break into the global market. Apollo’s partnership with Indian cricket marks a historic moment, not just for the company, but for the sport and its ever-growing commercial value.
As cricket continues to rise in importance, more brands will likely follow Apollo’s lead, setting the stage for even greater sponsorship deals and more opportunities for Indian cricket to shine on the global stage.
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