Lions Cricket and DP World expand partnership to include the DP World Women’s Blind Team
Johannesburg, South Africa – 9 June 2026
Lions Cricket in partnership with global leader in end-to-end supply chain solutions DP World, today 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 2026. #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.