Zimbabwe Cricket gets sponsor for shoes after player laments using glue to hold them together

Published May 24, 2021
Sportswear brand Puma has decided to provide shoes for the entire Zimbabwe cricket team after one of its players tweeted about having to use glue to fix shoes at the end of every series. — AFP/File
Sportswear brand Puma has decided to provide shoes for the entire Zimbabwe cricket team after one of its players tweeted about having to use glue to fix shoes at the end of every series. — AFP/File

Sportswear brand Puma has decided to sponsor shoes for the Zimbabwe cricket team after one of its players lamented on having to use glue to fix shoes at the end of every series.

It all started when Zimbabwe cricketer Ryan Burl tweeted on Sunday: "Any chance we can get a sponsor so we don't have to glue our shoes back after every series."

Puma responded to Burl's tweet saying, "Time to put the glue away, I got you covered."

An excited Burl thanked the brand for "reaching out", saying he could not "wait to join the Puma Cricket team".

On Monday, Puma shared a picture of the red and yellow coloured shoes — resembling the Zimbabwe kit — with the caption: "Express shipment for [Ryan Burl] and his mates. I hope the colours match the jersey."

Fans of the game were predictably excited about the announcement with Zimbabwean netizens thanking Puma for the gesture. The brand was also praised by other cricketers.

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh said, "Now that’s what Puma stands for!"

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said Puma was "always there for the players".

Writer Amir Malik termed it a "wonderful gesture" and said it was worth applauding.

Burl was selected for the Zimbabwe cricket team in 2017. He has also played in domestic tournaments in Bangladesh and Afghanistan, according to ESPNcricinfo.

Opinion

Editorial

IMF’s projections
Updated 18 Apr, 2024

IMF’s projections

The problems are well-known and the country is aware of what is needed to stabilise the economy; the challenge is follow-through and implementation.
Hepatitis crisis
18 Apr, 2024

Hepatitis crisis

THE sheer scale of the crisis is staggering. A new WHO report flags Pakistan as the country with the highest number...
Never-ending suffering
18 Apr, 2024

Never-ending suffering

OVER the weekend, the world witnessed an intense spectacle when Iran launched its drone-and-missile barrage against...
Saudi FM’s visit
Updated 17 Apr, 2024

Saudi FM’s visit

The government of Shehbaz Sharif will have to manage a delicate balancing act with Pakistan’s traditional Saudi allies and its Iranian neighbours.
Dharna inquiry
17 Apr, 2024

Dharna inquiry

THE Supreme Court-sanctioned inquiry into the infamous Faizabad dharna of 2017 has turned out to be a damp squib. A...
Future energy
17 Apr, 2024

Future energy

PRIME MINISTER Shehbaz Sharif’s recent directive to the energy sector to curtail Pakistan’s staggering $27bn oil...