A member of the Apex Council confirmed the development on Monday, saying that the BCCI has inked the apparel and merchandise deal with MPL, replacing Nike. “Yes, Apex Council has passed the sponsorship deal for apparel of Indian teams (men, women, ‘A’ and U-19).

“However, the rate per match will be Rs 65 lakh instead of Rs 88 lakh that Nike was giving,” a senior official told PTI on conditions of anonymity. It is learnt that the BCCI would also get 10 percent of the royalty from the sale of merchandise.

“MPL has formed an apparel manufacturing company. They will also pay an amount for merchandise contract. The deal will end in November 2023,” added the source.