DP World Ascends to ICC Premier Partner Status, Aims to Elevate Cricket Globally
Dubai, UAE, 29 May 2024:
The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the elevation of its partnership with DP World, a global leader in smart end-to-end supply chain logistics.
Since June 2023, the ICC and DP World have collaborated to deliver cricket equipment at the grassroots level and provide smart logistics at major ICC events. DP World now ascends to the Premier Partner tier of the ICC’s portfolio, reinforcing the brand’s long-term commitment to expanding the sport globally.
The announcement comes as excitement mounts for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to host 55 matches across nine locations in the USA and West Indies from 1 – 29 June. This marks the first time an ICC World Cup will be held in the United States, with 16 group stage matches scheduled in New York, Texas, and Florida.
DP World has already made significant contributions to this World Cup by transporting 10 grass pitches grown in Florida over 1,200 miles to the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York and the nearby practice venue. The pitches were cultivated using the specialist techniques of Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions and nurtured by US-based turf experts LandTek Group.
Over 20 vehicles transported both match and practice pitches on a two-day journey. Each pitch was carefully prepared for transit and wrapped to prevent degradation enroute to New York. DP World’s advanced logistics capabilities ensured efficient and sustainable transportation to Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
Additionally, DP World has leveraged its operations across 75 nations on six continents to foster grassroots cricket through the Beyond Boundaries Initiative. This initiative, launched on the eve of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, pledges ten kits for every 100 runs scored by a team in the tournament. To date, over 2,500 kits have been pledged, with 1,750 kits delivered to thousands of aspiring cricketers across India, South Africa, and the UAE.
DP World’s initiative aligns with the ICC’s mission to enhance cricket systems and expand the sport globally. Through the expanded partnership, DP World will now collaborate with the ICC on the development of its criiio programme, which supports and celebrates the diverse ways cricket is played worldwide.
DP World Chief Communications Officer, Daniel van Otterdijk, commented:
“From delivering World Cup pitches to New York to our ongoing efforts to expand the game through our Beyond Boundaries initiative, DP World’s partnership with the International Cricket Council has empowered people worldwide to enjoy cricket at every level. This summer’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will showcase the world’s most iconic players on pitches transported by DP World’s specialist smart logistics expertise. It is only fitting that we ascend to Premier Partner status as we continue to foster the growth of the game for people of all ages and backgrounds globally. With our operations, there are no limits or boundaries to where cricket can go.”
ICC Chief Commercial Officer, Anurag Dahiya, added:
“DP World has been a highly supportive and active partner of the ICC, and we are delighted with their upgrade to Premier Partner status. This highlights the significant value our partnerships bring to global brands. ICC partnerships are based on shared values, and DP World has consistently shown a strong commitment to expanding the game at every level globally. The ICC is proud to continue our journey at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and beyond, confident that working with industry experts like DP World makes expanding cricket to new regions and audiences much easier.”
DP World will proudly deliver the match ball for each of the 55 games at this World Cup, as well as presenting the Trophy Tour that brings the silverware to the event. The partnership continues for the next four years and will include October’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year.