New Zealand Unveils Special ODI Jersey With Lotus, Mandala & Māori Art For India Series To Mark 100 Years Of Sporting Ties

Wellington, October 11th - The New Zealand cricket team will don a unique limited-edition jersey for their upcoming ODI series against India, symbolizing the 100 years of sporting ties between the two nations. The Kotahitanga ODI shirt merges the cultures of New Zealand and India, with the design reflecting a shared history and mutual respect through the collaboration of artists Ben Thomason, Shiv Narandas, and Jai Pancha.

The jersey incorporates three Indian motifs as unifying elements: the lotus, India's national flower; an ogee pattern drawn from Indian architecture; and the mandala, which serves as a symmetrical framework inspired by Māori design systems. Thomason blended traditional Māori abstract scroll designs and kowhaiwhai motifs over a haehae lines background to bridge the past and present, honor the individuals who forged the bond between the nations, and celebrate the players, fans, and staff.

New Zealand Cricket's Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer, Glenn Critchley, expressed his admiration for the design, stating, "We’re absolutely wrapped with the design. 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." He added that the shirt is expected to become a cherished collector's item for cricket fans from both countries.

The designer, Shiv Narandas, who has roots in India, reflected on the significance of the collaboration, saying, "It was a meaningful project to work on. This shirt feels like a journey of our life here. Hope that everyone can feel the energy that’s been put into this project and they can wear the shirt with pride." The India tour kicks off on October 22 with a five-match T20I series, followed by five ODIs beginning November 4.