DP World, a global leader in end-to-end logistics solutions, inaugurated the next phase of its Beyond Boundaries initiative in Ahmedabad. The unveiling of the second container took place at Ground B at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium, in the presence of Jay Shah, BCCI Honorary Secretary and President, Asian Cricket Council. This initiative takes a significant stride with a particular focus on empowering women cricketers.
Under this global initiative, DP World will leverage its end-to-end network and smart logistics capabilities to deliver at least fifty bespoke shipping containers equipped with cricket essentials, to grassroots cricket clubs around the world. These containers will provide young cricketers with high-quality cricket kits including bats, helmets, gloves, and pads, which are essential for improving their skills, while keeping them protected. The containers also function as changing rooms, making it more accessible for girls and young women to participate in the sport. This will be a significant step toward making cricket more inclusive and accessible at the grassroots level.
Jay Shah, BCCI Honorary Secretary, expressed his thoughts on the launch, “Women’s cricket is a growing force in the sporting world, and as a cricket administrator my commitment to promoting and developing women’s cricket is unwavering. I applaud DP World’s commitment to enhancing cricket infrastructure, particularly for women cricketers. The efforts of this initiative align perfectly with our vision to empower women in sports. By addressing the critical issues of inadequate facilities and providing quality kits to young cricketers this initiative is fostering a welcoming environment and is a testament to the game’s inclusivity and progress.”
The container installed in Ahmedabad is the second of this initiative and will be placed at the Gujarat College Cricket Ground, Ellis Bridge, with the kit and equipment donated to the Gujarat Cricket Association Academy. The first container was installed at Chikhalikar Sports Club in Palghar, Maharashtra. As part of the Beyond Boundaries initiative for every 100 runs scored by a team in the tournament, 10 kits are pledged to local cricket communities across the globe. So far, since the commencement of the tournament, over 1,600 kits have been pledged.
Rizwan Soomar, CEO and Managing Director for Middle East, North Africa and India Subcontinent DP World, stated, “We are excited to launch our ‘Beyond Boundaries’ initiative in Gujarat, with the aim of making cricket accessible to the youth. Our bespoke shipping containers will play a vital role in providing essential gear to emerging women players in the state. As we continue to work with businesses in Gujarat to make trade possible, we are confident that this initiative will deepen our relationship with local communities by helping develop cricketing talent and making cricket possible and enjoyable for all.”
The second container design, crafted by the talented local artist Nikunj, serves as a tribute to Sachin Tendulkar, DP World’s brand ambassador. The artwork is centered around the theme of empowering women in cricket and draws inspiration from Tendulkar’s remarkable legacy.
Gujarat serves as a gateway to cargo clusters in north and northwest India. DP World’s recent investments in the state, such as the mega-container terminal at Tuna-Tekra with an annual capacity of 2.19 million TEUs, is aligned with the Government’s Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, aiming to quadruple the country’s port handling capacity. The company’s robust capabilities shine through its established multimodal network, featuring a container terminal in Mundra, a rail freight terminal at Ahmedabad, and a container freight station at Hazira. This robust multi-modal network is complemented by cold storage facilities in Surat and Bharuch, freight forwarding offices in Ahmedabad and Gandhidham, coupled with express cargo services covering 1010 pin codes across the state. Additionally, the company’s global connectivity is strengthened by 13 weekly services via Unifeeder Group, linking Mundra, Kandla, and Hazira ports to international and other Indian ports. This comprehensive network ensures smooth trade connections from Gujarat to the Middle East, Western Europe, and African markets. Additionally, it links the state to central and north India. DP World’s collaborative efforts with large enterprises, SMEs, and community initiatives across Gujarat underscore its commitment to inclusive growth.
