(10 May 2008 3:00 pm)

MUMBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced Getty Images, the digital media company, as its official photographic agency for the next four years.

The deal, which will run up to April 2012, means that Getty Images will cover all ICC events in that time including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, which will be held in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Other events included as part of the deal are the ICC World Twenty20, ICC Champions Trophy, ICC Women’s World Cup, ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup, ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the ICC World Cricket League.

Getty Images will also be responsible for providing coverage of the annual ICC Awards ceremonies for the duration of the contract as well as various ICC corporate social responsibility activities and important ICC meetings and media conferences.

The ICC will also have access to Getty Images’ extensive library of cricket images during the term agreed. There will also be a provision whereby ICC sponsors can use certain images shot by Getty Images during tournaments to promote their support of ICC events.

Getty Images director of sports sales EMEA Marc Webbon commented, “We’re looking forward to strengthening our relationship with the ICC over the next four years. It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our bespoke photo assignment service and some of our new digital products and services such as the digital asset management system we have built specifically for the ICC and its partners. We plan to deliver a high quality and efficient digital image service to the ICC and all its commercial partners.”

ICC GM – commercial Campbell Jamieson said, “Getty Images is a world-class sports photo agency with which we have enjoyed a very good working relationship for more than 15 years. Through Getty Images we have been able to promote the game of cricket and our events all over the world. This deal will bring that promotion to a new level.

“The commercial initiatives contained in this agreement have been introduced to assist the ICC to deliver an enhanced and effective sponsorship servicing function and will save valuable time and effort for all parties concerned. Through this deal the ICC and our Members will benefit from the expertise and artistry of Getty’s talented team of photographers”.