Introduction
India’s cricket board (BCCI) has confirmed a major sponsorship change: Apollo Tyres will replace Dream11 as the lead sponsor for both the men’s and women’s national teams across all formats, starting immediately and lasting through March 2028. The deal follows new regulations in India banning real-money online gaming platforms. Here’s what’s known now and why this makes a difference.
Why Dream11 left & why Apollo Tyres stepped in
Dream11 had held the sponsorship deal until recently, including a contract valued around $44 million set to run through 2026. But due to India’s new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, which restricts real-money gaming, Dream11’s operations were affected, and they exited the BCCI deal.
Immediately after, Apollo Tyres won the rights, signing up for the same jersey space through March 2028. Officials say the value of the new contract is higher, though exact numbers haven’t been publicly confirmed.
What are the financials & duration
According to reporting, the contract runs until March 2028, covering all formats (Tests, ODIs, T20Is) and includes both men’s and women’s teams. While BCCI hasn’t released exact figures, sources say it “represents a substantial increase” over the Dream11 deal. One media report said Dream11 was paying about ₹4 crore per match, and that Apollo Tyres has offered more per match, though without specifying. (IndiaTimes)
What this means: regulation, visibility & cricket’s commercial future
- Regulatory compliance: This sponsor change reflects India’s crackdown on real-money online gaming. Sponsors linked to such platforms now face legal risk. BCCI’s careful selection of Apollo Tyres shows a shift toward safer, regulation-friendly brands.
- Brand exposure: Apollo Tyres will get high visibility: worn on jerseys during all major international matches. For a large tyre manufacturer, cricket remains one of India’s biggest broadcasted sports.
- Women’s cricket included: The deal applies to both men and women’s teams, giving Apollo a broader audience and underlining BCCI’s increasing focus on promoting women’s cricket.
Reactions & expert commentary
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia praised Apollo Tyres for stepping in at a crucial time. The company’s MD, Neeraj Kanwar, said they view this as more than a contract — an association with millions of fans.
Market analysts suggest this move may trigger more corporations to revaluate where they invest in sponsorship, especially in light of regulatory changes. Brands once willing to work through fantasy or gaming ties may now focus on direct product and service brands.
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What this doesn’t tell us yet
- We don’t know the exact monetary value of the new contract beyond “substantial increase.”
- It’s not clear how the distribution of funds will be allocated across formats or grassroots cricket.
- No public comment yet on how this affects Dream11’s branding in BCCI properties (stadium signage, broadcast assets).
What fans should notice moving forward (actionable tips)
- Watch for jersey designs this season — all match appearances will now have Apollo Tyres branding.
- Sponsors may shift their marketing strategies away from fantasy platforms toward more visible offline brand activations.
- Pay attention to licensing: with Dream11 gone, related products or tie-ups will change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Dream11 stop being India’s jersey sponsor?
Because of new Indian regulations on real-money online gaming under the “Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act,” Dream11’s business faced legal risk. BCCI needed a sponsor without those ties. (Reported by Reuters)
How long will Apollo Tyres be the sponsor?
The sponsorship runs through March 2028. It covers all formats and includes both men’s and women’s national teams. (Confirmed by BCCI & Reuters)
Is the deal worth more than the Dream11 deal?
Yes — analysts say it is a substantial increase in sponsorship value. Dream11 was paying about ₹4 crore per match. Exact new match-fee numbers have not been disclosed.
Will the change affect women’s cricket branding?
Yes — Apollo Tyres will appear on both men’s and women’s team jerseys. The visibility is across formats.
Writer note and thought
I’m Ameer Hamza — I used Reuters and IndiaTimes reports to gather facts. I mark legal or financial details as “reported” where not officially confirmed. I’ll update this when BCCI releases full financial disclosure.