Carib named as new sponsor for West Indies Domestic Competition

A new sponsor for the West Indies domestic competition has been announced. At a press conference held at the Sticky Wicket Restaurant in Antigua, Roger Brathwaite, Acting CEO of the West Indies Cricket Board Inc. (WICB) announced that Carib Beer will sponsor the region's domestic season.

In what is an initial 5-year agreement, Carib Beer will be known as the official beer of West Indies cricket and will be an official supplier to the West Indies cricket team during home series.

WICB signs with Carib Photo © CricInfo

The competition will therefore be called the Carib Beer Cricket Series. Teams will compete for the Carib Beer Cup, while the invited international team along with the West Indies Under 23 teams will be eligible to vie for the Carib Beer International Challenge trophy.

Carib Beer is not new to sponsoring West Indies cricket, since they last sponsored the West Indies' campaign during the 1999 World Cup in England, as well as the subsequent tour of that country.

Speaking on behalf of Carib Breweries Ltd. was Colin Murray, who pledged his company's support to the growth and further development of West Indies cricket. Murray said that his company and their product will be very visible throughout the region during the Carib Beer Cricket Series. Their involvement will include, but not limited to the provision of uniforms for the participating teams, branding etc.

President of the WICB, Rev. Wes Hall commended Carib Breweries Ltd. for demonstrating their support for the growth of the game in the region and thanked them for coming on board when they did. In addition, Hall said that the WICB hoped to make the sponsors proud and is hopeful for a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

WICB signs with Carib Photo © CricInfo

In response to Murray, Acting CEO, Roger Brathwaite said that Carib Breweries Ltd. were not merely selected because of the cash, but "because they share our vision for West Indies cricket." He further added that the WICB wants to form strategic partnerships.

Speaking on behalf of the players, Brian Lara thanked the management of Carib Breweries Ltd. for once again demonstrating their support for the game. He noted the importance of corporate sponsorship to the game, and pledged his and the team's support to making the sponsors proud.

The Carib Beer Cricket Series begins on 31st January, 2003 with four matches. The eight teams that will vie for the Carib Beer International Challenge trophy are: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Leeward Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Windward Islands, West Indies "B" and India "A".

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