Blackcaps unveil special jersey celebrating 100 years of NZ–India sporting ties

The BLACKCAPS will wear a special limited-edition shirt during the upcoming Hero VIDA ODI series against India to mark 100 years of sporting ties between the two nations.

Named the BLACKCAPS Kotahitanga ODI Shirt, the design celebrates the shared history, cultural connections and mutual respect between New Zealand and India through their common love of cricket.

The shirt was created through a collaboration between artists Ben Thomason (Ngāti Raukawa ki Te Tonga), Shiv Narandas (Gujarat) and Jai Pancha (Gujarat), combining Māori and Indian cultural elements in a unified design.

Thomason incorporated Māori kōwhaiwhai patterns over a background of haehae lines, connecting the living with those who have passed and honouring the people who helped build the relationship between the two nations. The design also recognises the significance of this connection to players, fans and those working behind the scenes.

Indian artists Narandas and Pancha contributed three key motifs: the lotus, India’s national flower; a repeating ogee pattern inspired by Indian architecture; and the mandala, which provides a symmetrical framework that complements Māori design traditions.

New Zealand Cricket Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer Glenn Critchley said the shirt reflected the ability of sport to bring different cultures together.

“We’re absolutely wrapped with the design,” he said. “The artists have created a beautiful balance between a distinct Māori design and a distinct Indian design that speaks to the bond between our nations.

“Sport underpins the unity between New Zealand and India and we hope this shirt will be a collector’s item treasured by New Zealand and Indian cricket fans for years to come.”

Thomason said the concept of kotahitanga, meaning unity, was central to the design.

“The brief said unity and I think the design encompasses that wholeheartedly,” he said.

Narandas, whose family originates from India, said the project held personal significance.

“This shirt feels like a journey of our life here,” said Narandas. “I hope that everyone can feel the energy that’s been put into this project and they can wear the shirt with pride.”

The limited-edition BLACKCAPS Kotahitanga ODI Shirt is available online through store.nzc.nz and at selected Rebel Sport NZ stores and other retailers.

The Hero VIDA India tour of New Zealand, powered by AI+ Nova Smartphone, begins on October 22.