Lucknow, March 2( .) In a major push to strengthen grassroots cricket in Uttar Pradesh, DP World on Monday unveiled a repurposed shipping container transformed into a fully equipped pavilion and distributed 250 cricket kits to young players in Lucknow under its Beyond Boundaries Initiative.
The pavilion was inaugurated at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium in the presence of former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh. The facility will now be permanently stationed at Sage Cricket Academy, where it will serve as a dedicated space for aspiring cricketers to train, prepare and rest.
Developed from a recycled shipping container, the structure has been redesigned into a multi-purpose cricket pavilion, offering improved infrastructure support to budding players. Alongside the pavilion, 250 cricket kits have been distributed to identified academies to enhance access to quality equipment and structured coaching.
The initiative has been delivered in partnership with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA). It aligns with DP World’s global pledge to donate 10 cricket kits for every 100 runs scored during ICC tournaments.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Yuvraj Singh said that talent is abundant across India but often lacks adequate infrastructure and equipment. He noted that programmes like Beyond Boundaries help bridge this gap by empowering young cricketers with the facilities and confidence needed to pursue their ambitions.
Hemant Kumar Ruia, Country Manager, DP World, Subcontinent (India), emphasised that limited access to infrastructure remains a key barrier for aspiring cricketers. He said the company aims to ensure that opportunity is not restricted by resources and highlighted the importance of combining facilities, equipment and strong local partnerships to create sustainable pathways for emerging talent.
Prem Manohar Gupta, Honorary Secretary of UPCA, said Uttar Pradesh has a rich cricketing legacy and a vast pool of young talent. He welcomed the collaboration with DP World, stating that such partnerships play a significant role in strengthening grassroots development and inspiring the next generation of players.
Since its launch in 2023, the Beyond Boundaries Initiative has delivered 13 repurposed shipping-container facilities and 3,500 cricket kits across eight countries. In India, the programme has previously reached communities in New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Chennai.
With operations spanning more than 80 countries, DP World plans to further expand the initiative in high-impact markets worldwide, with additional international rollouts scheduled through 2026.
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