Did Shubman Gill Violate BCCI's Apparel Agreement? Details Inside

A viral image from Day 4 of the match shows Gill wearing a black Nike vest—a move that could potentially stir trouble, as Nike is not the official kit sponsor of Team India anymore.

This controversy comes just as Gill was basking in the glory of a phenomenal Test performance.

Source : @iam_amangulati / X

Shubman Gill, who lit up the Edgbaston Test with twin batting masterclasses, has now found himself at the centre of a different kind of spotlight.

A viral image from Day 4 of the match shows Gill wearing a black Nike vest—a move that could potentially stir trouble, as Nike is not the official kit sponsor of Team India anymore.

This seemingly minor wardrobe choice has triggered a wave of speculation and debate, as the BCCI signed an exclusive ₹250 crore deal with Adidas in 2023, giving the German brand sole rights to supply kits for all Indian cricket teams until 2028. The sight of Gill donning Nike apparel has raised questions about whether this breaches the terms of that contract.

Could Adidas Take Legal Action?

As social media erupted with reactions, many began questioning whether Gill's appearance in Nike gear violates BCCI’s contractual obligations.

Adidas, as the official kit partner, could theoretically challenge this publicly or legally—potentially even serving notice to the BCCI or escalating the issue to court if deemed a breach of exclusivity.

Shubhman Gill declares the innings...
and maybe his next big brand deal too.#Adidas is on the jersey but #Nike stole the frame.#JustSaying @sjlazars @manishasinghal @ErikaMorris79 @rpramodhkumar pic.twitter.com/48m5MC3m8u

— Aman Gulati 🇮🇳 (@iam_amangulati) July 6, 2025

Why Was Gill Wearing Nike?

So why did Gill wear the Nike vest in the first place? The answer may lie in his personal endorsement deals. Gill is reportedly a brand ambassador for Nike, which could explain his choice of clothing.

If that’s the case, legal accountability might rest more on the BCCI’s shoulders than the player’s—especially if no clear communication or enforcement of apparel protocol was in place.

Background: The Shift From Nike to Adidas

Nike had been Team India’s kit sponsor for years, but that arrangement ended in 2020. Following interim deals with Byju’s and MPL Sports, BCCI entered into a landmark agreement with Adidas in 2023, valid for five years and reportedly worth over ₹250 crore. The Adidas-BCCI partnership includes all match-day kits, training wear, and team merchandise.

Gill’s On-Field Heroics Overshadowed?

This controversy comes just as Gill was basking in the glory of a phenomenal Test performance. In the Birmingham Test, India posted a mammoth target of 608 runs, with Gill alone contributing 430 runs across two innings—scoring 269 in the first and 161 in the second.

While the team stands on the brink of a dominant victory, all eyes are now on what action—if any—Adidas or the BCCI may take in response to this brewing kit controversy.