Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) yesterday signed a new three-year sponsorship deal with cricket gear manufacturer STONEHILL SPORTS valued at approximately US$500,000 (over US$150,000 per annum).

Under the arrangement STONEHILL will completely outfit all national teams with training gear, playing gear, balls and other equipment over the contract period. This signing comes two months before the existing contract elapses May 31, 2019.

The sponsorship also covers the provision of gear and uniforms for all national competitions from age-group cricket to the senior level. JCA President Wilford “Billy” Heaven said, “It’s a great day for Jamaica’s Cricket. This contract will help take our cricket further in the right direction. With uniforms being provided for all national teams and national competitions we are better able to focus on other areas to enhance the quality of our product.”

Further, under the deal each Parish Association will receive kits to be used in their execution of age-group cricket programmes, particularly at the primary level. Heaven was elated about this element. “It couldn’t have come at a better time. We have a focus on primary school cricket and our youth development programme. The timing is simply opportune and it most certainly will help us in our mandate to promote and develop the sport in the island.”

Managing Director of STONEHILL Sibi Sheikh noted that cricket gear is expensive and that is a barrier to entry so his company promotes the sport and their brand by making equipment affordable. “It is the simple things that can go a far way. When children participate in competitions and they are properly decked out in their team colours with their uniforms looking crisp and attractive it has a positive impact on their confidence or self-esteem. Their parents and other stakeholders looking on can commend the organisers for these things too. It’s a ripple effect,” he said.

Sheikh added, “As the young players matriculate onwards to the senior level, they will remember the quality of the equipment they used and hopefully STONEHILL will be front of mind. We have been doing good business with the JCA for the past five years and it has been mutually beneficial. We are looking forward to watching their success stories coming onto the world stage.”

The Pakistan-based STONEHILL SPORTS has clothing sponsorship agreements with Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago, home of its regional headquarters, as well as clothing and gear contracts at the club level in England and South Africa.