England clinch new Vodafone sponsorship deal

England have reached a new deal with Vodafone, their current sponsors, which could be worth more than £12 million.

The new contract begins on October 1 next year and will extend the partnership until the end of the 2005 season. The national team has been backed by the mobile phone giant since 1996.

The new deal guarantees substantial additional bonuses to reward success in Test matches and one-day internationals. The contract covers two Ashes series, one World Cup and two ICC knockout tournaments.

Terry Blake, commercial director for the England and Wales Cricket Board, said: "The involvement of a company of the size and standing of Vodafone in the game of cricket is very important to us.

"Their support enables vital funding of new initiatives and existing programmes which will help English cricket to compete at the very highest level over the next few years."

Vodafone's director of corporate affairs, Tim Brown, added: "The close co-operation that we have enjoyed with the English team and management over the past three years has been a key factor in the extensive media exposure that we have received.

"We are delighted that we are now able to announce our long-term commitment to support the ECB in the future development of cricket at all levels."