Renowned sportswear maker, Adidas, has thrown hat in the ring for the kit sponsorship and official merchandising partner rights of the Indian cricket team, TOI reported on Friday (August 7).

The development comes as Adidas’s competitor Nike’s contract with the BCCI is set to expire soon. Earlier this week, the Indian board invited bids for team kit sponsor and official merchandising partner rights through a tender process.

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The TOI report further claims that Nike and Adidas’s rival, Puma, is also keen to pick up the sponsorship rights as the BCCI has decreased the base price to Rs 61 lakh per game, down around 30% from the Rs 88 lakh which Nike was shelling out earlier.

Puma has a significant presence in cricket through the Indian Premier League (IPL). Moreover, it has signed up India skipper Virat Kohli as brand ambassador for Rs 100 crore.

On the other hand, Adidas has minor existence in Indian cricket having relinquished expensive player endorsements earlier.

Apart from Adidas and Puma, BCCI’s tender has reportedly attracted companies in other sectors as well, including Byju’s – which in order to bid would have to have a partnership with a sports kit manufacturer.

(With TOI inputs)