The 1999 Cricket World Cup was an entry point for many fans - including ourselves - into cricket shirt culture. If you ask any cricket fan what they think of when you mention the ‘99 World Cup - we guarantee their first thought will be the kits. Not Australia lifting the trophy on the Lord’s balcony, or England crashing out in the group stages. It was the vibrant colours, distinctive designs and baggy fits that stole the show.
Since the ‘92 World Cup, when the first ever coloured cricket kits were worn on the global stage, the sport and its manufacturers were starting to flex their creativity when it comes to showing up on the international stage. The ‘96 World Cup kits that followed were equally vibrant and iconic. Who can forget that ‘kiwi grey’ New Zealand number, or the ‘dutch oranje’ Netherlands strip.
However, where ‘99 differs is going against the grain of design templates that previous World Cups had followed, and taking the shackles off with bespoke artwork and construction for each nation. The manufacturers, ASICS, produced bold & patriotic patterns that caught the eye of viewers, whilst also considering finer details on the collars and sleeve hems that will resonate with the patriotic fan base.
Throw the late 90s-inspired oversized fit into the picture and the result was some of the most eye-catching shirts worn on a cricket pitch. Not one shirt missed.
With cricket apparel evolving to help facilitate athlete performance at the elite level, deep-pocketed sponsors getting a larger grip on where & how they show up, and an ever protective ICC - we doubt we’ll see anything like this again on the world stage.
If like us, you’re fond of the ‘99 collection or other WC kits, you can shop international class in our store here. Keep an eye open as we’re always adding new stock to the site.
