Emirates sponsorship for
ICC umpires

The International Cricket Council's elite panel of umpires and match referees will be sponsored by Emirates Airline under a three-year multi-million dollar agreement reached in London on Friday.

The agreement grants the Dubai-based international airline naming rights for the international panel of umpires and referees, and use of the title of 'Official Airline of the ICC' with effect from Saturday. Emirates will be the official carrier for all ICC travel, where direct flights are available to the required destination

In addition, the eight members of the elite umpires' panel, including India's S Venkataraghavan, and the five match referees will wear Emirates branded clothing during all Test and One-Day International matches.

The 'Fly Emirates' logos will appear on the right side of the chest and back of umpires' shirts and jackets. This will guarantee visibility and media exposure to millions of cricket watchers.

The new sponsors got a high profile debut when umpires David Shepherd and Steve Bucknor officiated in the final of the NatWest triangular series between India and England at Lord's.

The first appearance of the new sponsorship in a Test match will also be at Lord’s, when England face India in the first Npower Test, beginning on July 25. The ICC elite panel umpires for that match will be Rudi Koertzen and Russell Tiffin, with Clive Lloyd as match referee.

A statement from the ICC said: "Sponsorship income from the Emirates agreement will be used to fund the day-to-day operation of the new, full time system of umpires and referees. This includes salaries, travel, training and administration for 13 full-time employees, dedicated ICC support staff and the operation of the supplementary panels of officials. This funding will reduce the additional financial burden that has been borne entirely by the ICC and member countries since early 2000."

Mail Cricket Editor