JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – Nissan will continue its relationship with top cricket talent after naming number one Test bowler in the world, Kagiso Rabada and former South African captain and cricket legend Shaun Pollock as brand ambassadors to further leverage the company's global sponsorship deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Rabada enters his third year as Nissan brand ambassador following a hugely successful 2018 both on and off the field with Nissan. The 23-year-old not only heads up the official ICC Test bowling rankings, but also currently ranks fourth on the ODI bowling rankings.
"I'm thrilled to be partnering with Nissan for a third year," said Rabada. "We've done some great stuff together and I'm looking forward to bigger and better things in 2019. Nissan is an innovative brand that I really enjoy being a part of. I love seeing how Nissan brings technology to their cars. It makes the driving experience so much more exciting."
Fun in the sun as @7polly7 and @KagisoRabada25 are officially driven by innovation that excites! pic.twitter.com/RUuNrcvbz2
— Nissan South Africa (@nissanza) February 7, 2019
KG, as he has become affectionately known, has enjoyed exponential growth locally and abroad since his breakthrough season in 2015, and has proven to be one of the biggest young talents on the world stage. He has thrilled fans across the world with his genuine pace and fiery passion for taking wickets.
Since his retirement in 2008, Pollock has become a permanent contributor as a cricket commentator on the local and international circuit, providing valuable cricketing insights and earning him a reputation as one of the most loved commentators for his unique style of commentary.
Pollock, still one of the most recognized and iconic South African cricket players, rose to the very top of the world game during an international career that spanned more than 13 years, which saw him reach the top spot on the ICC rankings for best test bowler, test all-rounder, ODI bowler and ODI all-rounder.
"2019 will be a monumental year for cricket and I am excited to be part of the journey with Nissan," said Pollock. "I can't wait to see how KG performs this year. Nissan can be proud of its involvement with such a great ambassador for the game."
Nissan became a supporter of cricket in October 2015 when it announced an eight-year deal with the ICC as a global sponsor of cricket's international tournaments. Nissan is at the fore-front of bringing its innovations that excite to an audience of cricket lovers around the globe with its personalized approach to fans.
Nissan's partnership with the ICC has assisted with the growth of their brand within the international sport sponsorship platform.
"It is a great honour to have revered sportsmen such as Kagiso and Shaun associated with our brand, and I am pleased that our partnership will continue," said Nissan South Africa Managing Director Mike Whitfield. "We look forward to nurturing our relations with these formidable gentlemen and raising the profile of the Nissan brand."
With these two internationally recognisable ambassadors, Nissan hopes to grow and foster a personal connection with cricket fans across the globe.
Pollock and Rabada join a group of global superstar Nissan Brand Ambassadors including women's U.S. and Australia Open tennis champion, Naomi Osaka.
With the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup around the corner, keep an eye out for our two Nissan Ambassadors as Rabada competes against the best in the world and Pollock brings you all of the latest news, views and opportunities from the commentary box.
To join the conversation use the following platforms created for cricket fans to share their thoughts on the action, their memories of the ambassadors and to start conversations around every thing cricket.
Kagiso-specific content
#LiveLifeInTheRed
#NissanZA
#KG370Z
Shaun-specific content
#NissanZA
#PollyPatrol
Contact
Patience Dumisani
Senior Manager, Communications
Nissan South Africa
Tel: (012) 529 6000
Mobile: 082 616 3499
patiencedu@nissan.co.za
For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube
Be part of the excitement – for more information click on Nissan's ICC sponsorship page.
