Puma comes to the rescue after Zimbabwe cricketer appeals for sponsor support

Puma comes to the rescue for Zimbabwe cricketers

JOHANNESBURG, May 24 (ANA) – Sports apparel brand Puma on Monday came to the rescue for the Zimbabwe men’s cricketers, after a member of the team complained about their inferior equipment.

Zimbabwe cricketer Ryan Burl first complained on Sunday that his team were in desperate need of new shoes, as they had to repair them after every match they played.

Along with a picture of his ripped shoes, he said on twitter appealing to their current shoe sponsor New Balance for new footwear: “Any chance we can get a sponsor so we don’t have to glue our shoes back after every series. @newbalance @NewBalance_SA @NBCricket@ICAssociation”

The next day, Puma Cricket tweeted along with a picture of several pairs of brightly coloured cricket shoes: “Express shipment for @ryanburl3 and his mates. I hope the colours match the jersey.”

Puma then went a step further, as Burl announced he would now be sponsored by the brand.

Burl said: “I am so proud to announce that I’ll be joining the @pumacricket team. This is all due to the help and support from the fans over the last 24 hours. I couldn’t be more grateful to you all. Thanks so much @PUMA”

The 27-year-old left-handed allrounder has played three Tests, 18 One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and 25 T20 Internationals (T20Is) for Zimbabwe. To date, it is in the T20I format in which he has fared best for Zimbabwe scoring 393 runs at an average of 24 with a highest score of 57 unbeaten.

With the ball, sending down his legbreaks he has collected 15 wickets at an average of 27 in T20Is. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman