PUMA India comes in support of aspiring Caribbean cricketers after Winston Benjamin's plea
PUMA had earlier come to the aid of Zimbabwe's explosive southpaw Ryan Burl and his teammates.
Former West Indies pacer Winston Benjamin’s plea for cricketing equipment for aspiring cricketers has been heard as one of the world’s leading sports brands PUMA, has pledged their support for the young cricketers in the Caribbean by providing cricket bats and related equipment.
Winston Benjamin, who had represented the West Indies during the 80s and 90s, featuring in 21 Tests and 85 ODIs, scalping 161 wickets, had urged former cricketers to support the young and upcoming cricketers in the country by providing cricketing kits.
In an interview with reporter Vimal Kumar, Benjamin sought help from legendary Sachin Tendulkar, saying, “Mr Tendulkar, could you assist me if you were in my position?” He also thanked former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin for assisting him earlier, “He sent some equipment. Congratulations Azhar! And thank you very much for your assistance. Stay in touch.”
PUMA India has responded to the former cricketer’s request and has extended support for the aspiring cricketers in the region. “We hear you, Winston. Let’s get these kids padded up,” PUMA tweeted in response to Benjamin’s request.
PUMA had earlier come to the aid of Zimbabwe players by providing their shoes in 2021
In the interview, the former pacer, who has been coaching school kids in Antigua, stated that the whole franchise cricket might provide a platform for young cricketers, but it won’t help reshape cricket at the grassroots level.
“Previously, we used to have a tournament in Sharjah where it just became a benefit game for cricketers from different countries. I don’t want 20000 US dollars and all I want is somebody to say ‘here is some equipment- 10-15 bats.’ So that, I can give them to the youngsters,” Benjamin had said.
Notably, this is not the first instance when the German manufacturing outfit came in support of cricketers. Earlier in 2021, PUMA, in an endearing gesture, responded to the heartbreaking Tweet of Zimbabwe’s left-handed batter Ryan Burl, who shared the dire condition of their shoes and asked for help due to a lack of finances in the cricketing board. PUMA responded to his tweet by providing him and his teammates with brand-new shoes
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