BKT has strengthened its position in cricket’s sponsorship landscape after securing a new partnership with MI London, extending the company’s involvement across some of the sport’s most prominent franchise competitions.
The agreement will see BKT branding feature on the sleeves of both the men’s and women’s MI London playing kits, further strengthening the company’s presence across major global cricket properties ahead of the 2026 season of The Hundred.
Keeping us moving throughout the 2026 season. 🛞
Welcoming @BKTtires as our latest Official Partner. 👋
🗞️ : https://t.co/PXJJzYZOW4#MILondon 💙💚 pic.twitter.com/GgUwbbkjHJ
— MI London (@MILondonCricket) May 28, 2026
A new chapter for MI London
The deal comes during a period of transformation for the franchise following the arrival of Reliance Strategic Business Ventures as a minority shareholder in the team.
Previously known as Oval Invincibles, the franchise has been rebranded as MI London and enters the upcoming season as one of the most successful teams in The Hundred’s history. The women’s side lifted titles in 2021 and 2022, while the men’s team secured three consecutive championships between 2023 and 2025.
“BKT are a committed supporter of sport around the world and we’re pleased to have their backing this summer as MI London take to the field at the Kia Oval,” said Oli Slipper, Chair of MI London, in a statement.
“Just like our playing teams, BKT have shown that they put fans at the heart of everything they do and we’re going to work closely with them to celebrate everything that is great about cricket.”
Expanding an already extensive cricket presence
The partnership further deepens BKT’s investment in cricket, a sport that has become a central pillar of the company’s sponsorship strategy.
In recent years, the tyre manufacturer has established partnerships across several of the game’s leading franchise competitions, including the Indian Premier League, Women’s Premier League, Big Bash League and The Hundred.
Its sporting portfolio also extends beyond cricket through long-standing associations with competitions such as rugby’s Six Nations Championship and Spain’s top-flight football league, La Liga.
“Ambition, global vision and commitment to excellence are the foundations of our daily work, values that sport embodies at its highest level. Cricket has always been a key pillar of BKT’s sports marketing strategy, and this partnership represents another important milestone in our willingness of strengthening our connection with fans around the world through one of the sport’s most exciting new platforms,” said Rajiv Poddar, Joint Managing Director of BKT, in a statement.
The Hundred’s commercial landscape evolves
The agreement also reflects a broader shift taking place across The Hundred following the introduction of private investment into the competition’s franchises.
Until recently, many commercial partnerships linked to the tournament were negotiated centrally. With new ownership structures now in place across several teams, franchises have increasingly taken responsibility for securing their own sponsorship agreements and commercial relationships.
For BKT, the partnership provides another avenue to engage with cricket audiences in a key market, while MI London adds another globally recognised brand to its commercial roster ahead of the new season, which begins on July 21.
