In a departure from the norm, the Indian cricket team is set to make a striking statement at the World Test Championship final by sporting jerseys without any sponsors. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has made the unconventional decision not to fill the commercial slot, breaking away from the trend of maximizing commercial opportunities.
As the Indian players gear up for the momentous clash, their training clothing showcases only the iconic three stripes of new kit sponsors Adidas, along with the BCCI logo. This unique display harks back to a simpler time when jerseys were uncluttered by corporate branding.
Such a move is highly unusual in today’s cricketing landscape, where every inch of the jersey is usually adorned with sponsor logos. BCCI’s previous jersey sponsorship deal with Byju’s expired in March, as the ed-tech giant opted to exit the agreement prematurely due to market conditions. The board had initially planned to issue tenders to seek interested parties for a long-term partnership, but offline negotiations did not yield favorable responses.
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Rather than settling for stop-gap measures or low-key deals, BCCI officials believe it is more fitting for Indian cricket to engage with prestigious and enduring partners. They are determined to secure long-term associations that align with the board’s vision and values.
While the absence of jersey sponsors may seem like a financial setback for BCCI, the board remains undeterred. The importance of ICC events has grown significantly, and the potential revenue from a single match is now considered a drop in the ocean for the cash-rich board.
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BCCI’s recent five-year contract with Adidas and the packed ICC calendar, featuring a white-ball world event every year, offer optimism that the right partners will be found before the upcoming World Cup in October-November, hosted by India.
Nevertheless, witnessing Indian cricketers don uncluttered outfits will be a rare sight. The International Cricket Council (ICC) allows commercial slots only on the leading and non-leading arms of the players’ jerseys during the WTC final whites. In contrast, leading franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL), such as the Mumbai Indians, rake in over ₹100 crore in a season from various sponsorship slots.
India’s decision to forgo jersey sponsors at the pinnacle of Test cricket showcases their commitment to upholding tradition, fostering prestigious partnerships, and creating a memorable visual experience for fans. It’s a bold move that underscores their unwavering focus on the spirit of the game and elevating cricket to new heights.