THE Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has landed its first major sponsor.
Digicel, a long-standing sponsor of West Indies cricket, has signed a multi-year deal with the CPL which will host its inaugural tournament from July 29 to August 6.
The telecommunications company and the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) have failed to agree new terms following the expiration of the previous contract last September.
CPL founder Ajmal Khan, chairman and chief executive officer of Verus International, said they were “thrilled” with the involvement of Digicel.
“Its wealth of experience in the region and in West Indies cricket will be an invaluable asset to the CPL, ensuring its initial and long-term success,” Khan said.
“The Digicel brand is a strong one – one that has captivated the Caribbean, and we are sure it will help us to do the same with the CPL brand.”
The tournament sponsorship, whose value was not announced, will run for an undisclosed period.
Perfect fit
“The CPL is a perfect fit for Digicel,” said Digicel group marketing director Kieran Foley. “We’re huge fans of West Indies cricket and this is a great opportunity for us to invest not only in what will be an amazing event, but also in the young cricketers who will benefit from around the region.
“Having seen all the plans for the inaugural tournament, we know the CPL will be a spectacle like nothing else seen in the region and we are looking forward to being front and centre of the action.”
The CPL will feature franchises from Antigua, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago.
Six of the top region’s cricketers have been announced as franchise players – Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels, Sunil Narine, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Sammy and Kieron Pollard.
Each team will comprise 15 players, at least six of whom must be local players from the franchise country.
In addition, at least four of the players must be under the age of 23. The remainder of the team must consist of regional and/or local players and a maximum of four international players.
Digicel first joined forces with the West Indies Cricket Board in 2004 as the principal sponsor of West Indies cricket and although it yet to commit to a new deal, it remains the sponsor of the Caribbean team.
(HG/PR)
