New Balance and Cricket South Africa (CSA) have today announced that their commercial partnership will come to an end effective 1 October 2021.
The announcement of the new apparel supplier for the men’s and women’s national cricket teams will be made by CSA on Thursday.
“New Balance have been a committed partner to CSA for six years,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive Pholetsi Moseki, “and we have enjoyed a very happy and fruitful relationship during this period.
“Their 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,” added Mr Moseki.
Craig Bowen, Country Manager, New Balance South Africa, explained the rationale behind New Balance’s decision.
“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.”
“With this in mind and as an acknowledgement of the good relationship we have built with CSA, we remain available to support the transition to the new supplier until March 2022. New Balance will also continue our yearly equipment distribution (together with CSA) to young cricketers from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Our hope is thus that cricketers from development to professional levels will continue to receive what they need to grow and perform at the highest level. We wish CSA and the national teams well and thank them for a fruitful partnership.”