From jerseys to collectibles: How Indian cricket fandom is entering a new era

Fans once collected posters. Then came jerseys with their favourite player’s name printed on the back. Now, fans want something permanent, something they can display, preserve, and pass on.

Across the world, sports fandom has long moved past apparel. The NBA in the United States of America has built a billion-dollar collectibles space around figurines and trading cards. In Europe, football clubs sell detailed action figures and limited-edition memorabilia that become prized possessions. From baseball cards in the United States to Formula 1 scale models, memorabilia markets worldwide have evolved fandom into culture and commerce.

Indian cricket, despite being one of the most passionately followed sports on the planet, has largely remained limited to jerseys, caps, and posters. However, that narrative is now changing. Pune-based sports start-up Infinity Toy Tronics (ITT) has launched Cricket Icons, India’s first line of officially licensed collectible miniatures featuring players from the Mumbai Indians (MI), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gujarat Titans (GT), and Rajasthan Royals (RR). The initiative shows a structural shift in how cricket fans engage with the sport, whether it is a matchday or not.

ITT was founded by three first-generation Indian entrepreneurs, Rikesh Raja, Saurabh Gajbi, and Pratik Agrawal, united by their shared love for cricket despite being spread across three continents. Cricket Icons was conceptualised by Rikesh Raja and brought to life in collaboration with the co-founders after a three-year partnership process with leading IPL franchises. The collaboration was facilitated by RISE Worldwide, helping establish a new benchmark for premium cricket collectibles and interactive fan experiences in India.

Unlike seasonal merchandise that peaks during tournaments, Cricket Icons is designed for year-round engagement. Each miniature is crafted with 90 to 95% precision in resemblance and serves not just as a display piece but as a digital gateway. Through a dedicated mobile app, fans can scan unique QR codes on each figure to unlock player avatars, earn loyalty points, participate in daily quizzes, dream team challenges, and leaderboard contests. Rewards include match tickets and autographed merchandise, bringing physical collectibles with digital engagement.

From Rohit Sharma’s pull shots to Jos Buttler’s power-hitting, from Andre Russell’s dominance to Shubman Gill’s brilliance, cricket now has tangible heroes that fans can hold in their hands. Cricket fandom in India is no longer confined to stadium chants or television screens. As global sports markets have shown, collectibles deepen emotional connection and create communities.