Global T20 superstar and West Indies Cricket ODI Captain, Dwayne Bravo, has made history by becoming the first international cricketer to partner with one of the largest Chinese corporate entities in the world.
Billionaire engineering, construction and consultancy giant, China Harbour, has appointed the 30-year-old as their sporting brand ambassador, making them the first globally-ranked Chinese firm to affiliate with a West Indies cricketing star.
The high-profile signing will see Bravo featured in exclusive ad campaigns and conducting personal appearances on behalf of the construction company, which becomes his official corporate sponsor ahead of a packed West Indies playing schedule. That includes the upcoming one-day international series against New Zealand followed by the team’s home series against England and subsequent participation in the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh, where the West Indies will defend their T20 Championship title, early next year.
Speaking to the media on the eve of his signing, Bravo said: “To become the first international and West Indian cricketer to be sponsored by a globally renowned Chinese firm is an incredible honour and a privilege.
“The Chinese are by far one of the most powerful nations in the world today, thus their introduction into, and their presence within West Indies cricket, will make a tremendous difference not just for us as cricketers but for the entire Caribbean region.
“For me to be the first cricketer to be bestowed with such a prestigious partnership is an incredible feeling and I further hope that our affiliation will pave the way for significant on-going relations and investment between China and the Caribbean, long-term.”
Bravo’s agent, Emma Everett, added that they had actively discussed affiliating with the lucrative Chinese market for some time and were thrilled that China Harbour reciprocated the significance of such a partnership despite cricket still being a virtually unknown sport in China.
“Dwayne has made history today,” Everett said. “He has become the first international cricketer to venture into the powerful Chinese market whilst cricket as a sport remains relatively new in China, and for him to have done so by affiliating with a global powerhouse such as China Harbour, indicates the Company’s faith and confidence in him to represent their brand across the world with the same degree of international standing and success.”
China Harbour’s regional General Manager, Deng Bo, echoed Bravo and his representative’s delight at the brand ambassador signing, stating that this was his company’s first foray onto the international cricketing scene.
“China Harbour has a project portfolio worth USD10 billion. Our company is a leader and innovator in our sector. Whilst it is a new concept for us to affiliate with a sporting brand ambassador, we are thrilled by this exciting partnership and look forward to Dwayne Bravo leading our brand and ethos with the same diligence and commitment he displays when representing West Indies Cricket,” Bo said.