Zimbabwe batsman Ryan Burl took to social media on Saturday to seek sponsorship for the national team by posting a photo of worn-out shoes.
The 27-year-old tagged a sports manufacturer on his post on Twitter and wrote, “Any chance we can get a sponsor so we don’t have to glue our shoes back after every series?”
Any chance we can get a sponsor so we don’t have to glue our shoes back after every series @newbalance @NewBalance_SA @NBCricket @ICAssociation pic.twitter.com/HH1hxzPC0m
— Ryan Burl (@ryanburl3) May 22, 2021
Burl’s plea was noticed by sportswear giant Puma as the brand responded on Twitter. “Time to put the glue away, I got you covered,” Puma replied to the tweet.
Time to put the glue away, I got you covered @ryanburl3 https://t.co/FUd7U0w3U7
— PUMA Cricket (@pumacricket) May 23, 2021
Burl thanked fans on Twitter announcing that he will be joining the Puma team.
I am so proud to announce that I’ll be joining the @pumacricket team. This is all due to the help and support from the fans over the last 24 hours. I couldn’t be more grateful to you all. Thanks so much @PUMA
— Ryan Burl (@ryanburl3) May 23, 2021
Due to financial constraints and poor on-field performances, Zimbabwe has been on a downward spiral for some time now. Earlier this month, they lost a Test series 0-2 to Pakistan with innings defeat in both matches.
As for Burl, he was last seen in action on April 25, in the third T20I between Zimbabwe and Pakistan. Although he didn’t bat in that contest, he gave away 33 runs in four overs with the ball.
Burl has played three Tests, 18 ODIs, and 25 T20Is since making his international debut in 2017. A middle-order batsman and also a part-time leg-spinner, he has scored a combined 660 runs across formats.
