On Tuesday, Indian cricket unveiled Apollo Tyres as its new multimillion-dollar main sponsor after Dream11, a fantasy sports platform, withdrew due to an online gambling ban.
The men’s team headed to the UAE for the Asia Cup without a sponsor on their jerseys after Dream11 exited a $43.6 million agreement.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) did not disclose the new contract’s value but confirmed it surpasses the previous deal.
“This new partnership, achieved through a competitive bidding process, highlights a significant boost in sponsorship value, showcasing the growing commercial allure of Indian cricket,” stated the BCCI.
The agreement runs until March 2028, featuring the Apollo Tyres logo on the Indian men’s and women’s team jerseys.
In August, the Indian parliament enacted a comprehensive law prohibiting online gambling.
Fantasy sports apps like Dream11 continue to operate, offering prizes instead of cash.
The government cited the rapid expansion of gambling platforms as a cause of financial distress, addiction, and even suicide.
They also mentioned links to fraud, money laundering, and terrorism financing.
