St. John’s, NL — August 2024: In a groundbreaking moment for cricket in Newfoundland and Labrador, Muhammad Ali Raza, one of Cricket NL’s most promising athletes, has signed a landmark individual sponsorship deal with Mary Brown’s, the iconic Canadian fried chicken brand proudly headquartered in Newfoundland. This historic partnership marks the first-ever individual athlete sponsorship for a cricketer in the province’s history.
The sponsorship, announced quietly earlier this fall, is a pivotal step forward not only for Ali Raza but for the growth of cricket in Newfoundland. At a time when the sport is steadily building grassroots support across the province, this endorsement sends a clear message: cricket is here to stay, and local talent is worthy of national and corporate recognition.
The Mary Brown’s sponsorship includes financial support and branded gear, and opens up further opportunities for community engagement and cricket promotion across the province. It sets a new precedent for athletic recognition beyond mainstream sports in Newfoundland, paving the way for more athletes to gain access to resources, visibility, and sustainable careers in sport.
Muhammad Ali Raza expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing both his personal journey and the broader impact it could have on the sport.
“First and foremost, I thank Allah for His blessings and guidance,” said Ali Raza. “I’m incredibly thankful to the management at Mary Brown’s for believing in me and supporting my journey. This is not just for me—it’s for every young cricketer in Newfoundland who dreams of playing at the highest level. I hope this is the start of many more such opportunities for athletes in our province.”
Ali Raza’s journey through Cricket NL has been marked by dedication, discipline, and consistent performance. His passion for the game and his role in the growth of the sport at both the club and provincial levels has made him a standout figure in Newfoundland’s cricketing community.
The deal is being widely applauded by local sporting bodies and community leaders as a “game-changing move” that could motivate corporate Newfoundland to back more athletes through financial or in-kind support, thereby elevating the entire sporting culture in the province.
As cricket continues to rise in popularity in Atlantic Canada, Ali Raza’s partnership with Mary Brown’s may serve as a turning point, encouraging other brands to tap into the potential of emerging athletes who represent passion, diversity, and community spirit.
This milestone is not just a win for Muhammad Ali Raza—it is a defining moment for Newfoundland cricket, and a spark that could ignite a new era of sport in the province.