PUMA’s ‘You Need Balls’ campaign redefines women’s cricket

Ahead of a crucial season for women’s cricket, PUMA India has unveiled its audacious campaign, "YOU NEED BALLS," featuring renowned cricketers Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh, among others. This initiative aims to reshape perceptions in the sport and is part of PUMA's ongoing commitment to highlight the essence of cricket through its iconic motto, "Cricket Is Everyone’s Game."

The campaign showcases a striking photoshoot that highlights the athletes in powerful poses, celebrating their remarkable accomplishments on the field. Alongside Kaur and Ghosh, the photoshoot includes fellow cricketers Sajana Sajeevan, Hemalatha Dayalan, and Asha Sobhana, further amplifying the message of strength and resilience.

Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Indian cricket team and PUMA ambassador, remarked: “Cricket has traditionally been viewed as a male-dominated sport, but we women are fiercely changing that narrative. This fresh perspective underlines that success in cricket is not just about statistics but also the courage and determination we bring to the game. Every ball matters, and we're here to demonstrate that true glory is earned ball-by-ball.”

Asha Sobhana's remarkable debut performance saw her claim a stunning 4-wicket haul against South Africa in 2024 with just 52 balls, while Hemalatha Dayalan's match-winning 41 runs off 24 balls led her team to victory over Bangladesh the same year. Additionally, Sajana Sajeevan’s thrilling six off just one ball clinched a crucial win in Bengaluru.

Richa Ghosh emphasized the challenges in cricket, stating: “Every ball presents a new challenge that adds to the thrill of the game. Whether you're batting or wicketkeeping, you need balls to excel. I’m thrilled to be part of such a groundbreaking campaign with PUMA.”

Through this campaign, PUMA India seeks to move beyond tokenism and outdated perceptions, focusing instead on the grit and determination of women cricketers. The brand has long advocated for gender equality in sports and is committed to dismantling stereotypes while celebrating women's achievements in cricket.

Karthik Balagopalan, Managing Director of PUMA India, stated: “At PUMA, we firmly believe that 'Cricket Is Everyone's Game.' This campaign powerfully embodies that vision, spearheaded by our incredible ambassadors, Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh. We are dedicated to driving change and inspiring future generations of athletes.”

PUMA India continues to champion a diverse roster of ambassadors, including celebrated athletes like para-shooter Avani Lekhara, boxer MC Mary Kom, and cricket icons Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity in sports.

Also Read: Harmanpreet, Sarabjot Singh lead PUMA march to launch half marathon tees