Cricket Kenya signs major media deal

Samir Inamdar: 'We are extremely pleased' © ICC

Cricket Kenya has announced a six-year partnership with Nimbus Sport for the management of commercial and television rights. The deal gives Kenyan cricket a massive boost and will be worth a minimum of US$150,000 a year, and could bring in as much as US$1 million over the full term.

The news comes after the board had spent months trying to persuade people to invest in the national game. The current Cricket Kenya board, which took office in May 2005, had struggled to cast off the legacy of the old regime, but this deal could open the door to more sponsorships and take Kenyan cricket forward after three or four years in the doldrums.

"We are extremely pleased to be associated with the world's leading sports marketing agency in cricket," Samir Inamdar, the chairman of Cricket Kenya, said. "Nimbus Sport had earlier managed the commercial rights and television production for the Kenya - Bangladesh series in 2006. We were delighted with the unprecedented visibility and reach that Kenyan cricket got through this association."

Nimbus are the commercial rights partner for the Afro-Asia Cup and has also managed sponsorship sales for Zimbabwe Cricket for the Zimbabwe - Bangladesh series in 2006. This partnership with Kenya will add to their presence in Africa.

"We are very excited with our partnership with Cricket Kenya," Digvijay Singh, the chief executive of Nimbus Sport, said. "We believe that Kenya has the potential for being an ideal and active cricketing destination. The combination of picturesque grounds, relaxed ambience and quality cricket along with extremely attractive tourism destinations presents immense marketing potential and opportunities."