SPORTS

Digicel announces bigger better cricket

Wednesday,  November 3, 2004

Digicel, the new title sponsor of West Indies cricket, has joined with the West Indies Cricket Board in Barbados to announce a number of initiatives that benefit both fans and players, while also contributing to the overall development of the game throughout the Caribbean. 

Digicel has committed the largest investment West Indies cricket has ever seen by offering the first home and away sponsorship and incorporating unprecedented incentives to raise players’ performances. The company is putting in place major programmes that include youth development, broadcasting and fan promotions. 

“‘Bigger Better Cricket’ is the theme of our new Digicel & WICB partnership, which mirrors our network throughout the Caribbean. 

This sponsorship, similar to our commitment to customers, is set to transform West Indies Cricket, as we know it. The new programmes bear significance for not only the team, but also fans, media and most importantly aspiring young West Indies players,” announced Digicel Group CEO, Mr Raoul Fontanez.

“We take enormous pride in being the title sponsor of West Indies cricket, enabling a number of first time incentives for the team and making the game more accessible across the region. Our shared vision with the WICB, the team and the fans is to get West Indies cricket back to the top of world Test cricket,” he added.

Speaking at the media event on Saturday (30 October 30), Mr. Roger Brathwaite, CEO of the West Indies Cricket Board said, “Today’s announcements are great news for cricket fans throughout the West Indies and signal a new era for cricket. We welcome the total investment Digicel is committing to West Indies cricket not only through financial support, but also time, innovation, energy and professionalism. This is the type of investment and approach that West Indies Cricket has long deserved and needs if we are to build on the success of the team in the ICC Champions Trophy,” he added.

For the first time in WI Cricket, a title sponsor is committing to the development of cricket with an investment of more than US$1 million to sponsor select junior teams, develop elite cricket academies across the region with the WICB, and offer vital overseas scholarships for fast developing players.

The sponsorship also includes player incentives including performance bonuses up to US$1.7 million, as well as TV arrangements meaning apart from all the home and away West Indies matches, fans will be able to watch all major international games. In association with the WICB Digicel will also be investing in the development of local TV programmes that will give fans a greater insight into the game. Digicel’s innovative technology and tailored events will allow greater interactivity with cricket and its players.

The US$ multi-million sponsorship deal with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), is for 5 years with an option to renew and officially came into operation from October 1st.

Digicel is the title sponsor of the West Indies Test and ODI (One Day International) teams, Event Sponsors for the Home Test and ODI Series, and the official mobile and communications provider of the WICB.

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