Sponsored by Tradefaire International.

Rajiv Poddar has always been passionate about Cricket. In fact, the Indian businessman has fond memories of watching it as a child.



But as he stepped up to the podium at a packed MCG press conference last week to announce his company BKT – one of the world’s leading off road tyre manufacturers – would be entering a three year major sponsorship deal with Cricket Australia and The Big Bash League, he offered up something unexpected.



With media, business heads and cricket legend Ricky Ponting by his side, he told the gathering that BKT, Tradefaire International (TFI) and BKT’s Australian distributors would also be donating $20,000 to drought relief charities to help our struggling farmers through their hour of need.



Both BKT and TFI are passionate about the Australian agricultural industry. As two of the largest suppliers of off road tyres in the country, they know just how hard producers work and what they contribute to the economy. That’s why when the opportunity arose to support the people that continue to support them, they grabbed it with both hands.



He announced $20,000 would be donated to Aussie Helpers, which reaches out to farming families to ensure their well-being during times of drought. The charity visits hundreds of clients a year and assists them by providing grocery and fuel vouchers.

Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting with BKT's Managing Director (Europe) Lucia Salmaso, Joint Managing Director Rajiv Poddar, General Manager of Exports Sandesh Jain, and Deputy General Manager of Export Marketing Gaurav Aneja.

An additional $10,000 was also donated to Ronald McDonald House in Tamworth, the charity which assists the families of children who are suffering from severe illness or have life threatening conditions by helping to create “a home away from home”. They help more than 300 families every year.

Mr Poddar believes that passion is the key ingredient to success, be it in sport, business or life. That’s why he was thrilled to announce the merger of his three greatest passions cricket, the company he loves and the customers who support them.



“I am really glad about this partnership since cricket has been my greatest passion ever,” the BKT managing director said.

“Here at BKT, we have a simple philosophy: to do our best while paying full respect to everybody.”

Employing over 7,000 people, BKT tyres has provided services to 160 countries worldwide including a 30 per cent share of the overall agricultural tyre market in Australia.

“BKT’s decision to come on board as a supplier of the BBL shows the growing appeal of the competition not just in Australia but overseas as well.” Head of Big Bash League with Cricket Australia Kim McConnie said.



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The story Cricket sponsorship deal results in $30,000 for struggling farmers and Aussies in need first appeared on The Land.