Guwahati: The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said on Tuesday that it has partnered with the international sportswear company Adidas, which will now create the uniforms, equipment, and other memorabilia for India’s Men’s, Women’s, and U-19 teams.
The BCCI said that the partnership will last until March 2028 and that Adidas would have the sole right to produce the uniforms for all game types. Additionally, Adidas will become the BCCI’s only provider of all match, training, and travel apparel for its men’s, women’s, and youth teams. Beginning in June 2023, Team India will play in the three stripes for the very first time, and their new uniform will make its debut at the World Test Championship Finals.
Cricket continues to be the most popular sport in India, despite its global expansion with sold-out audiences, heightened elite competition, and grassroots development. With a top-notch youth system that consistently produces outstanding players, a dominant domestic league, and a cricketing identity that is admired internationally, cricket in India has also advanced significantly.
Both parties are confident that the relationship would advance cricket in India both on and off the ground by bringing Adidas’ cutting-edge innovations and experience. The notification stated that Adidas has a long history of collaborating with some of the top teams worldwide to produce footwear and apparel that is best for athletes. The cooperation will also encourage the next generation of cricket players, expanding the sport for all players.
Speaking on the development, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah said, “We are committed to helping grow the game of cricket and could not be more excited to partner with one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, adidas, in this journey. With its rich historical legacy in sports, world-class products, and strong global reach, adidas will play an important role in driving the performance and future success of different categories of Indian cricket.”
Meanwhile, Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden said, “We are proud to partner with BCCI and Team India, the most iconic team in India. Cricket is the most important sport in India, and it is very important for us to be visible and invest in it. We could not have found a better partner than BCCI. I believe India to be the fastest growing sports market for the next decades. We are very committed to supporting our team to become the best sports brand in India.”
Moreover, the General Manager of Adidas India, Neelendra Singh said, “We are beyond excited for this historic moment at adidas, not just in India but also globally. We are proud to see the three stripes on the Indian cricket team. This is our moment to present Cricket to the world with high quality performance products for our athletes. We look forward to creating moments with our consumers through the most celebrated sport in India. adidas truly believes in the potential of cricket in India and through this partnership with BCCI we will accelerate growth.”
“With its rich history in sport through its long term and innovative agreements with the likes of World Champions AFA (Argentina Football Association), the All Blacks, Major League Soccer, and sports teams all over the globe, the new partnership with the BCCI will further enhance the brand’s presence across the region and strengthen its commitment towards growing sports in India. In addition to the Men’s & Women’s Senior National Cricket Team, adidas will also kit the India “A” Men’s and Women’s National Team, India “B” Men’s and Women’s National Team, India U-19 Men’s and Women’s National Team, their coaches, and staff,” he added.