The Indian cricket team will be sporting new jerseys in the T20I series against Sri Lanka as the team’s kit sponsorship has been passed from Mobile Premier League (MPL) to Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited, the parent company of the clothing brand Killer. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has not issued any statement in this regard, it has been confirmed by the pictures of Indian players ahead of the T20I series.
MPL had Team India’s kit sponsorship till 31 December 2023 but the mobile gaming company had requested for an early exit. Post which the BCCI has asked MPL to continue as kit sponsors at least till 31 March 2023. However, as it seems by the likes of it, MPL has hastily exited the contract and has handed over the kit sponsorship to KKCL.
“BCCI received an email communication from MPL sports on 2.12.2022 seeking a complete assignment (team + merchandising) at full value to Kewal Kiran Clothing Limited, a fashion wear brand, for the period from 1.12.2023 to 31.12.2023.
“With the upcoming back-to-back home series and the women’s away calendar, it was suggested that the current arrangement should not be hampered as it involves performance gear for the national teams.
“We had asked MPL sports to continue the association at least until 31.3.2023 or look for a partial assignment that would involve only the right chest logo but not the kit manufacturing agreement,” a note from BCCI ready (according to PTI).
Notably, BCCI has suffered major setbacks in terms of sponsorship as the board’s deals with Paytm and Byju’s also came to an end. While Paytm handed over BCCIs’ domestic rights to Mastercard, Byju’s informed the apex body that they want an exit before their contract ends.
“BCCI received an email from Byju’s on 4.11.2022 requesting terminating the association post the recently concluded T20 World Cup. As per our discussions with Byju’s, we have asked them to continue the current arrangement and continue the partnership at least until 31.3.2023,” read a BCCI note on the matter.