Explained: Why India can't wear their regular jersey for Asian Games matches

India's cricket team won't be wearing their regular jerseys during the Asian Games in Japan. The athletes will instead be donning alternate jerseys provided by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The reason behind this change is due to the unique set of rules set by the Olympic Council of Asia and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) governing the Asian Games.

Unlike other tournaments, the Asian Games require all participating athletes, including those in team sports like cricket, to represent the nation as a unified contingent. This means cricketing boards are not allowed to display individual corporate sponsors, kit manufacturers, or specific crests on their matchday attire. The IOA provides standard team kits for the entire contingent, featuring the name INDIA prominently on the chest along with the IOA emblem and national flag.

This uniform appearance helps maintain a clean, non-commercial playing area focused solely on athletic performance. For Indian cricket fans, the absence of their favorite team's traditional sponsors and branding might seem confusing, but it symbolizes the spirit of unity and equal representation for all 45 participating nations at the multi-sport event.