Umbro and Castore lead race to become England cricket kit supplier from next year

New Balance have produced England cricket kit since 2017

(Getty Images Sport)

Sports brands Umbro and Castore have emerged as the favourites to become English cricket’s official kit supplier from next year when the ECB’s contract with New Balance expires.

New Balance signed a five-year deal starting in 2017, meaning they will continue to supply all England men’s and women’s teams, as well as the eight Hundred sides, this season. Adidas were England’s kit supplier for nine years before that.

Standard Sport understands that while no deals have been signed yet, Umbro or Castore are likeliest to take over, with Slazenger also a surprising candidate.

Umbro currently have no presence in cricket, but took over as suppliers for England rugby last year, as well as Bristol Bears and Ospreys, and have a long history with the national team in football.

In rugby, Umbro have picked up a series of individual “brand ambassadors”, including England coach Eddie Jones and players from the men’s and women’s national teams including Ellis Genge and Shaunagh Brown.

Castore, which is also a British brand, are relatively new players in the market, having only been founded in 2015. They provide the West Indies cricket teams’ kit, as well as Andy Murray, McLaren F1, Rangers and Melbourne Storm.

Castore also have a series of brand ambassadors, including Jos Buttler and Owen Farrell.

There is plenty of change in sponsorship of English cricket this year, with LV= Insurance returning as official “title partners” of Test cricket. Online used car sellers Cinch are occupying the main shirt sponsorship in place of Natwest in their role as “principal partner”.

Read More

Last of England players to arrive home after IPL postponed

IPL postponement means an opportunity missed for English cricket

Clark gives balance and ballast as he grows in stature at Surrey