New Delhi: Amid the controversy surrounding India's participation in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) launched Team India's new jersey at an event held Mumbai's JW Marriott Sahar Hotel on Thursday.
At the launch event the BCCI CEO Rahul Johri welcome OPPO India president Mr. Sky Li to the Indian cricket family. Earlier this year, the Chinese electronics company replaced Star India as the sponsorship rights for the Indian cricket team for the next five years for a staggering sum of INR 1079 crore. The smartphone manufacturers will thus be paying INR 1.56 crore for every ICC match played and INR 4.61 crore for every bilateral games played.
The new jersey is almost similar to the one the team wore in during England series, held earlier this year. However, there is a slight difference, making it unique. The shoulder-upper arm region has a darker shade of blue. There is also a thin, and fading away tri-colour strip running down from the collar region. The Nike's ever recognisable 'swoosh' and BCCI crest along with golden stars remain at their old position while 'Star Sports' is replaced by OPPO. The fabric used to make the jersey is claimed to be of a higher quality which would be comfortable enough when players don it during their matches.
Welcome to the Indian Cricket Family - @oppomobileindia #OPPO #TeamIndia - @RJohri pic.twitter.com/hDoLAq6XJn
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 4, 2017
But, it's still not sure when will Virat Kohli & Co will get to wear their new jersey. India are supposed to defend the Champions Trophy in England, which starts on June 1. But with the protracted fued between the ICC and Indian board over the share of revenue continues to linger, India's participation is still a matter of conjecture.
Meanwhile, Indian players are engaged with their respective franchises in the Indian Premier League.
