England and Castore revealed new 2026 ODI, IT20 and training kits that pair retro styling with advanced fabric technology for all England squads
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Castore have introduced a fresh range of playing and training wear that will outfit all three England squads across 2026. The collection covers new ODI, IT20 and training garments for the England Women’s, England Men’s and England Men’s Mixed Disability teams, arriving in a season highlighted by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The launch blends visible historical cues with technical upgrades so that identity and on-field performance are both prioritised.
Rather than changing the traditional long-form look, the collaborators kept the Test kit identical to 2026, preserving its classic cream tone.
The two white-ball shirts, however, take a purposely retro direction: the IT20 shirt revives the mid-2000s red-and-blue palette, while the ODI piece uses a refreshed blue motif. Across the range, the design philosophy is stripped-back, allowing material and fit to carry much of the statement.
Design language and heritage
At the heart of the collection is a deliberate reference to earlier limited-overs kits, where bold blocks of colour and clear silhouettes were common. The IT20 jersey brings back the familiar red and blue combination that many fans associate with England’s early T20 era, creating an immediate visual link to the past. Meanwhile, the ODI option refines the blue graphics into a cleaner, modern pattern that reads contemporary but still grounded in England’s visual history. The approach treats nostalgia as an ingredient rather than the whole recipe.
Retro cues reimagined
Rather than copying vintage garments, the collection translates retro cues into a current sportswear context. Details such as an engineered rib collar are used to evoke that throwback feel without compromising movement or comfort. This means the appearance of heritage is maintained while ensuring the garments remain aligned with contemporary expectations of fit and durability—an important balance for elite athletes and supporters alike.
Materials and performance features
The technical specification of the kits is a major selling point: fabrics are described as lightweight and durable, with integrated moisture management systems and UPF protection to cope with intense match conditions. These capabilities are designed to help players remain comfortable under pressure, controlling sweat and guarding against sun exposure during long days on the field. The collection’s construction aims to let players focus on play, not apparel.
Fit and function
Castore’s development process reportedly involved detailed player feedback to refine the cut and freedom of movement. The brand emphasises a refined fit that supports dynamic action—short bursts, long spells and the full range of cricketing motions. By combining targeted tailoring with modern materials, the kit intends to perform for multiple formats while still presenting a coherent team identity across squads.
Campaign, voices and availability
The launch was presented in a short film called “We’re All In”, pairing current England players with former fast bowler Darren Gough, who featured in England Men’s first-ever IT20 (2005) and amassed nearly 500 international wickets in his career. The film positions the new collection as a bridge between eras and a collective statement for the season ahead. It emphasises continuity and shared ambition across men’s, women’s and mixed disability teams.
What leaders said
Ben Bradley, heading commercial partnerships at the ECB, framed the launch as timely for a landmark campaign for women’s cricket and praised the retro inspiration as a nod to format legacy. Castore’s Chief Commercial Officer, Danny Downs, described the collection as the next step in performance design, highlighting the role of player research in refining fit and breathability. Both organisations underline the relationship between aesthetic identity and on-field utility.
The new kits and associated training wear are available immediately through the official ECB shop and Castore channels. For supporters and players alike, the range promises visible connections to England’s limited-overs past while delivering the practical benefits expected of modern elite sports apparel.
