Breaking Barriers: The DP World Lions Women’s Blind Team unveiled and ready to roar

Lions Cricket in partnership with global leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions DP World, has proudly announced the launch of the DP World Lions Women’s Blind Team. The extended partnership will see DP World become the front of shirt partner for the team, a position that it already occupies for the DP World Lions Men’s, Women’s and Blind and Deaf Men’s Teams, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of inclusive sport and disability cricket in South Africa.

The announcement was officially commemorated at DP World Wanderers Stadium, on the eve of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in the UK between 12 June and 5 July. #ThePrideOfJozi venue continues to serve as the stage not only for elite cricket but also for initiatives that drive meaningful and lasting social impact.

The partnership underscores both organisations’ shared commitment to inclusivity, women’s sport, and the ongoing growth and development of blind cricket. This landmark collaboration builds on the historic milestone achieved in 2020 when the DP World Lions Women’s Team became South Africa’s first professional women’s cricket team. DP World’s continued investment has played a pivotal role in advancing opportunities within the game and helping bring transformative moments such as this to life.

The newly named DP World Lions Women’s Blind Team represents an important step forward in creating greater accessibility and equal opportunities within the game. Through this partnership, players will receive enhanced support while gaining increased visibility to inspire communities, challenge perceptions and encourage future generations to pursue their sporting ambitions.

The partnership will contribute towards player support, specialised equipment, playing kit, travel requirements, awareness campaigns, and the overall growth of the women’s blind cricket programme.

Lions Cricket CEO, Jono Leaf-Wright, welcomed the partnership and highlighted its significance for the future of the game.

“Cricket has a unique ability to unite communities, inspire individuals and create lasting change. The launch of the DP World Lions Women’s Blind Team reflects our commitment to ensuring that every athlete has the opportunity to participate, compete and thrive. It is a proud moment for the entire cricket ecosystem and another important milestone in the continued growth of the women’s game. Our DP World Lions Women’s team has demonstrated what is possible when talented players are given the right opportunities, with five players representing the Proteas at last year’s ICC ODI World Cup in India and a further seven selected for this year’s ICC T20 World

Cup. We are excited to see similar pathways emerge for our Women’s Blind Team, enabling players to realise their potential and achieve success at the highest level.”

Esha Mansingh, Head: Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, Africa, DP World said: “We have proudly been the Title Partner of the DP World Lions Women’s Team since 2020 and this partnership extension reflects our continued commitment to broadening access to cricket for women. By supporting the DP World Lions Women’s Blind Team, we are helping to create a more inclusive pathway for participation and development in the sport. We believe this partnership has the potential to make a meaningful impact by opening opportunities, advancing visibility and inspiring more women and girls to see cricket as a space where they belong and can succeed.”

The landmark partnership further strengthens DP World’s commitment to community impact, diversity, inclusion and the development of sport, while reinforcing Lions Cricket’s position as a leader in driving inclusive cricket initiatives across South Africa. Together, DP World and Lions Cricket are helping to break barriers, create opportunities and build a more inclusive future for the game.

Meanwhile, Lions Cricket is delighted to announce the renewal of its partnership with ACDC Express for a further two years, with an option to extend. As South Africa’s leading electrical distributor and manufacturer enters its third year alongside the Pride, the partnership continues to play a meaningful role in driving investment into the growth and development of cricket and the communities it serves. Together, the organisations remain committed to creating lasting impact, not only across Gauteng but throughout South Africa.

Working hand in hand, the two organisations have significantly enhanced the experience at the DP World Wanderers Stadium for the thousands of passionate fans, players and stakeholders who attend its many events and matches each year. From upgraded stadium lighting and extensive electrical infrastructure improvements to the provision of LED solutions supporting Lions Cricket’s Go Green sustainability initiatives, ACDC Express has played a pivotal role in elevating both the functionality and overall experience of one of South Africa’s premier sporting venues.

Leaf-Wright says the partnership with ACDC Express continues to create meaningful impact through a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.

“ACDC Express have played an instrumental role in enriching and empowering our Pride, investing significantly in both our people and our environment in ways that often go unseen. They are a brand that continually inspires us to Beat Our Best by adding value to our offerings and enhancing our home. We are incredibly grateful for their loyalty and support as we continue to raise the standard across every aspect of the organisation, underpinned by shared values of respect, integrity and customer focus.”

Echoing Jono’s sentiment, Mario Maio expressed his enthusiasm around the success of the partnership.

“We have thoroughly enjoyed our partnership with this dynamic organisation, which strongly reflects our own commitment to excellence, integrity and community. As a proudly family-driven business, ACDC Express identifies not only with the Lions Cricket organisation but also with its passionate supporters and the broader cricketing ecosystem it serves. We are proud of the connections we have built with the Lions fanbase and look forward to continuing to showcase our dedication to delivering innovative and comprehensive electrical solutions.”

United by a shared vision to enhance the supporter experience and drive excellence at every level of the game, Lions Cricket and ACDC Express remain committed to making a lasting impact - from grassroots development through to the professional ranks, every day and at every touchpoint.