Cricket South Africa have announced that they will not be continuing their association with the kit sponsor New Balance. The announcement comes with just a month left for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. This means that the South African cricket team won’t be seen in the New Balance jersey for the upcoming marquee international T20 event.
Cricket South Africa mentioned in an official statement that they won’t be renewing their current contract with their jersey sponsor New Balance after 1st October. However, they’ve also added that a new kit sponsor will be announced as soon as Thursday for both the men’s and women’s teams.
“New Balance have been a committed partner to CSA for six years,” said CSA Acting Chief Executive Pholetsi Moseki, “and we have enjoyed a very happy and fruitful relationship during this period”
“Their (New Balance) support has gone right down to grassroots level. I am very happy to announce that they will continue to be involved in cricket through their annual equipment distribution to young cricketers from disadvantaged backgrounds.It is a case of farewell rather than goodbye.”
“After consultations with CSA and reviewing current business and strategic imperatives, we, together with CSA, have made the decision to draw our commercial relationship to a close. New Balance is proud of our contribution to the game during our tenure and hope that our involvement has left a legacy which will continue to support CSA’s vision to make cricket a national sport of winners,” said Craig Bowen, country manager for New Balance South Africa.