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0 The Australian cricket team may not have a sponsorship deal for their playing shirts until the eve of the first Test of summer, after the expiry of a much-discussed $40 million deal with Alinta earlier this year.
Several members of the team have already shot commercials without a sponsor on the shirt, but it’s understood Cricket Australia has no plans to play the summer without a commercial partner on their playing uniform.
The last time Australia’s cricketers entered a home season without a sponsor on their shirts, was the 1995-96 season.
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“We have had significant interest from various brands, including for properties that are currently under contract,” Cricket Australia’s Stephanie Beltrame told The Sydney Morning Herald.
“The uniforms worn by our Australian cricket teams are iconic and we are comfortable taking our time to secure a great partnership for the men’s shirt that is mutually beneficial for all parties.”
Men’s captain Pat Cummins had raised ethical issues about the Alinta deal, saying the energy provider was a major carbon emitter earlier this year. Australian Cricketers Association board director Usman Khawaja said at the time players have a right to say which sponsors were chosen to be worn on the team shirt.
“We have a responsibility to the whole of cricket, whether that be drugs, alcohol, whatever it may be, we have a responsibility to the public of vetting sponsorships,” he said.
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“I believe CA do already do that in some way, and there is an avenue where the ACA can be involved with them a little more strategically. I think the world is changing, not saying it’s changing in a specific direction, but inclusivity is a big part of it.
“And if inclusivity is a big part of it then you need to have these conversations, especially when it comes to team sports. I think that’s where it starts and stops.”
New Cricket Australia chair and former NSW premier Mike Baird has been a vocal critic about alcohol brands holding a prominent position on the front of the playing shirts in the past.
