As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup nears its finale, DP World has extended its Beyond Boundaries initiative to Barbados, unveiling a repurposed shipping container at Friendship Playing Field in St Michael parish. The container, now serving as a female changing facility, will help eliminate a major barrier for girls playing cricket in the region.
West Indies legend Chris Gayle unveiled the mural-covered container, designed by local artist trio Santrio Creative – Nikolai, Sergio, and Alexei Charles. Gayle also distributed cricket kits to players from the Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club and Franklyn Stephenson Academy — the first-ever personal gear for many of the young cricketers.
Launched in October 2023, DP World’s Beyond Boundaries program aims to increase grassroots access to cricket by delivering kits and equipment via repurposed containers. So far, the initiative has reached five countries across three continents, including India, South Africa, UAE, and the USA, with 2,250 kits delivered globally.
The initiative also partners with Bat For A Chance, a cricket charity helping underprivileged children worldwide. In Barbados, the Barbados Cricket Association will support broader kit distribution across the island.
“As a product of the Caribbean grassroots system, I know the impact this kind of support has,” said Chris Gayle. “It’s amazing to see DP World using its global reach to uplift the next generation of West Indian cricketers.”
To build on the momentum, DP World has pledged an additional 820 kits through its “Kits for Runs” campaign — donating 10 kits for every 100 runs scored by a team during the tournament. This builds on the success of a similar initiative during the 2023 Cricket World Cup in India.
“Girls’ cricket is growing but still needs support,” said Daniel van Otterdijk, DP World’s Group Chief Communications Officer. “We’re proud to contribute to the Barbados Royals Girls Cricket Club with this much-needed changing room, and continue supporting cricket communities worldwide.”
ICC Chief Commercial Officer Anurag Dahiya added, “DP World’s commitment to grassroots cricket continues to make a meaningful difference as this thrilling World Cup concludes in Barbados.”
