BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS surprise community cricket group with limited edition shirts

The BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS have surprised members of the Bangladesh cricket community in Auckland by turning up to their social cricket match and presenting them with a limited edition “two homes” shirt.

The new shirts have been created by major sponsor ANZ and recognise the passion Bangladeshis have for both their home team and the BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS. The shirt reflects this tug of allegiances with a design half dedicated to Bangladesh and half to New Zealand.

Four versions of the “two homes” shirts have been created, representing the countries of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. With an estimated 27% of New Zealand’s population born overseas, many fans find themselves supporting more than one team. ?

ANZ NZ Head of Sponsorship, Sarah Rogan, says that, with the Bangladesh and Pakistan international teams visiting this season, it was an ideal time to recognise these communities and the role they play in the sport.

“Sport is a big part of a national identity, and the shirt symbolises that for many cricket fans, they have two homes and often support two teams,” she said.

“We saw the huge numbers of fans turn up to the BLACKCAPS matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan. It’s clear they’re massive fans of the game.

“ANZ along with New Zealand Cricket wanted to celebrate the contribution these communities make to the game.”

Local player Mehedi Chowdhury was among those presented with a shirt.

“Everyone here today is born in Bangladesh. They all love cricket, they play club cricket here in NZ as well as our Bangladeshi cricket tournament that we run,” he said.

“No one has had the opportunity to meet a BLACKCAP or WHITE FERN before so today feels special. We have all been inspired by the visit and our special shirt from ANZ. We’ll take this away and channel this energy into our cricket.”

NZC chief executive Scott Weenink congratulated ANZ on the initiative.

“It’s wonderful to see this kind of cultural engagement through cricket – it’s part of our philosophy and we whole-heartedly endorse it.

“New Zealand has a rich and diverse ethnic landscape and it’s lovely to see ANZ celebrating this.”

ANZ has been major sponsor of New Zealand Cricket for 24 years.