| MUMBAI:
Standard Bank has partnered once again with International Cricket Council (ICC)
for its World Twenty20 (ICC WT20) championship as a local partner. The banking
major was also associated with the inaugural season held in South Africa in September
2007, in the same capacity. The
second staging of the event will be held in England from 5 – 21 June 2009. The
2009 sponsorship deal is in addition to Standard Bank’s existing association
with the event through its sponsorship of the South African T20 team.
Standard Bank
director sponsorships Clement Motale said, “The ICC WT20 event in 2007 proved
to be one of the most exciting cricket events of all time, sparking huge interest
in the format across the globe. We are delighted to be associated with the ICC
WT20 once again as it helps strengthen our brand image and reputation in local
and international markets. It also reinforces our commitment to CSA (Cricket South
Africa) to reach new audiences through twenty-over cricket and grow the format
for greater international exposure.” The
decision to partner the 2009 English edition of the ICC WT20 is driven by the
bank’s growing presence in global emerging markets, with its London-based
operation an important focal point for international corporate and investment
banking. “It
is very encouraging that Standard Bank has again come on board as a local partner
for the ICC WT20 in England. I know very well that Standard Bank has been a big
supporter of cricket for a long time now and it’s great to see that partnership
continue,” said ICC CEO Haroon Lorgat. “It says a lot about our value
that we can continue to attract sponsors of this calibre. I believe the great
spirit of cricket is a major part of what makes it such a great sport and clearly
our sponsors agree.” As
a local partner, Standard Bank will be afforded marketing and branding association
rights in line with ICC determined event parameters at the three designated venues
in England. It will also co-sponsor the local broadcast packages of Supersport
and SABC. Also
as the official team sponsor of the South African side, the team’s ICC WT20
shirt will carry the ICC logo and marks, with Standard Bank branding appearing
on the leading arm. | 
