NEW DELHI: The BCCI on Tuesday formally announced MPL Sports apparel and accessories as official uniform sponsor and commercial partner of the men’s and women’s national teams, as well as the U-19 team, replacing Nike.
The agreement was approved by the main council of the Board on November 2. Nike had a five-year agreement during which they paid 370 million rupees from 2016 to 2020.
MPL Sports, the sporting goods brand of Mobile Premier League, an e-sports platform, offers a wide range of sportswear and Cricket gear, along with other accessories such as masks, wristbands, footwear, and headgear.
According to the newly signed strategic partnership, MPL Sports has signed a three-year agreement from November 2020 to December 2023.
MPL Sports’ partnership with BCCI begins with the India tour of Australia, which will see the India team sporting the new jerseys.
Senior men’s and women’s teams and U-19 teams are also part of the deal for the new kits.
As part of the agreement, jerseys designed and manufactured by MPL Sports will be worn by the Indian men’s, women’s and under-19 teams.
BCCI President Sourav Ganguly said: “We look forward to MPL Sports adding a new chapter to team kit and bringing official BCCI licensed merchandise within the reach of the more than 1 billion fans cheering for Team India.”
In addition to Team India jerseys, MPL Sports will also sell Team India licensed products.
MPL Sports will offer Team India jerseys and its wide range of products to fans at affordable prices.
Board Secretary Jay Shah said: “The partnership takes us to a new frontier for the Indian team and for sports merchandising in the country.
“This association aims to facilitate access to Indian cricket Fan merchandise, including the coveted India Cricket Team Jersey for cricket fans not just at home but around the world. ”
The previous deal with Nike, a four-year contract, ended in September.
MPL is currently associated with two IPL franchises (Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore), a CPL team, and the Irish and United Arab Emirates cricket tables.
Commenting on the partnership, MPL Sports Senior Vice President Abhishek Madhavan said: “India is a market with 1 billion cricket fans and we see great potential in the under-penetrated merchandise market in India.
“We look forward to partnering closely with BCCI and bringing all types of Team India merchandise to the masses, both with offline and online distribution at affordable prices.
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