The Rise and Evolution of Nike Indian Cricket Team Jersey
Nike partnered with BCCI and sponsored the Nike Indian cricket team jersey for 14 years. In a competitive yet transparent tendering process, Nike India won a prestigious five-year contract with the BCCI, starting January 1, 2006. Lalit Modi, the BCCI Vice President, announced the partnership during a press conference. He emphasized the aim to bring cutting-edge apparel and footwear innovations that enhance player performance.
Nike’s deal with the BCCI was worth Rs 370 crore. This includes Rs 85 lakh per match fee and over Rs 30 crore in royalties. Nike has been associated with Indian cricket for 14 years, since signing a $43-million deal in December 2005. They outbid Reebok and Adidas for this partnership.
However, the 14-year partnership ended as the BCCI decided to slash the base price for its technical partnership. According to the Times of India, they are seeking a new kit deal for the next three years. With Nike’s contract expiring in September, the BCCI is preparing its tender documents.
Under the existing terms, Nike paid the BCCI ₹88 lakh (US$117,000) per match and an annual fee of ₹6 crore (US$804,000). Additionally, Nike paid 15% royalties on sales, amounting to up to ₹10 crore (US$1.3 million) per year. The contract, signed in 2016, was worth ₹370 crore (US$49.5 million).
Nike Indian Cricket Team Jersey Technology
Bob Coombes, Vice President and General Manager at Nike India Pvt. Ltd., said “The country’s love for the sport and its team is what drives us to deliver our very best in technology and design to Cricket India. This kit offers superior lightweight performance, made entirely from 100% recycled polyester. It causes minimal impact on the environment while ensuring that the design reflects the winning attitude of the team.
Nike’s Better World philosophy is evident in Team India’s new kit. For the first time, it uses 100 percent recycled polyester fabric in its construction. The fabric is lightweight, reinforced for increased stretchability, and has enhanced moisture-wicking capabilities. Improved ventilation zones provide additional comfort and cooling.
Completing the kit are the first-ever four-way stretch pants for Team India. Designed to enhance movement on the field, these pants offer a more streamlined fit. A new woven fabric helps athletes move better and enhances durability.
Sanjay Patel, Hony. Secretary of the BCCI, highlighted cricket’s unifying power in India. He mentioned how the nation’s passion for the sport has strengthened Team India. Patel praised Nike for understanding the game’s demands and the team’s off-field passion. He noted that the new Limited-Overs kit embodies this understanding while prioritizing innovation.
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Nike Reluctant to Renew Current Agreement
Nike’s previous contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) involved significant payments. These included ₹88 lakh (US$117,000) per match and an annual fee of ₹6 crore (US$804,000). Additionally, there were 15% royalties on sales, potentially totaling up to ₹10 crore (US$1.3 million) per year. However, with their contract expiring in September, the BCCI sought a new kit deal. They planned to slash the base price for its technical partnership to ₹61 lakh (US$81,700) per match, a 31% reduction.
The new tender documents proposed a revised structure. This included separate packages for a technical kit partner and an apparel contract, or a combination of both, over a three-year period. The aim was to align with the ICC’s Future Tours Program. This move comes amidst the financial impacts of the pandemic. The BCCI anticipates reduced interest in the tender and is considering alterations to ICC regulations. These alterations would allow for multiple partners or a non-endemic technical partner on playing kits.
In response to the revised terms, Nike, reportedly uninterested in renewing at the current rate, indicated to the BCCI its reluctance to continue the partnership. Despite this, the US sportswear giant has not completely ruled out a renewal in some form.
Design Before and During Nike Indian Cricket Team Jersey
Year 1996
Nearly two decades ago, Team India’s jersey sported a prominent yellow stripe running from the front to the sleeves. It was a stark contrast against the otherwise plain blue uniform. The collar also featured a splash of yellow, adding a distinctive touch. Additionally, an unusual multicolored band resembling a road sign was also part of the design.
Year 1999
The sleeves featured a bright yellow color. Golden-yellowish patterns bordered in black adorned the blue jerseys. Despite these changes, the collar remained distinct.
Year 2003
Eventually, the yellow was replaced with black patches on the sides of a uniformly blue jersey. The pattern on the front is perhaps one of the best so far. It features brushstrokes of the Indian tricolor and the word “India” imprinted across it.
Year 2007
In 2007, Nike changed not just the front pattern but also the color of the jersey. They made the blue lighter and put “India” in a new font, higher on the chest.
Year 2011
The jerseys worn by Team India in 2011 became instantly iconic, especially since they won the World Cup after 28 years. In terms of design, patterns were limited to the sides. Both the blue and orange colors were slightly darker than before.
Conclusion
Nike’s partnership with the BCCI has redefined the Indian cricket team jersey. It’s gone from a simple piece of apparel to a sophisticated blend of performance technology, stylish design, and cultural significance. The evolution of the Nike Indian cricket team jersey mirrors the sport’s evolution itself.
While the Nike chapter has closed, the future of the Indian cricket team jersey remains exciting. New partnerships will undoubtedly bring new designs and innovations. However, the legacy of the Nike era will continue to shape future jerseys. Nike establishes a strong brand identity and the deep-rooted association with the color blue.
