Pat Cummins‘ World Cup teammate Adam Zampa has thrown his support behind the Australian captain amid debate about players having a say in sponsorship deals.
It was reported by the Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday that Cummins – the Test skipper and newly-minted ODI captain, too – had spoken to Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley about ditching a deal with Alinta Energy, which is worth $40 million to CA.
The report said Cummins had raised concerns about Alinta’s parent company Pioneer Sail Holdings and its reputation for carbon emissions. Cricket Australia later denied any such conversation had taken place.
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Cummins himself awkwardly dodged questions about the story when he fronted media upon announcing his new title as ODI captain.
But Zampa, who lives a vegan lifestyle, commended his captain for starting the conversation about climate change and sporting sponsorships.
“I’ve obviously got some personal views about some sponsors that we’ve got at the moment, but I think the fact that Pat has started that conversation is great,” Zampa said on Wednesday.
The players face an awkward conundrum during the Twenty20 World Cup – which Australia begins on Saturday – as the player of the match award is sponsored by Saudi Arabian oil company Aramco.
Zampa joked he hopes to win the award at some point during the tournament, although he may feel conflicted if he accepts it.
Zampa does not accept the popular claim that professional athletes should stay quiet on their political and social views.
“We’re obviously role models,” he said.
“I don’t think we necessarily just stick to playing.
“I think a collaborative approach is important. I do understand that money is important and we’re part of a business. We are the face of that as well.
“There’s a lot of stuff up in the air at the moment.”
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