England success set to trigger new commercial interest

England's triumphant series in Pakistan will attract new commercial interest in cricket and produce more sponsors, England and Wales Cricket Board chief Lord MacLaurin has predicted.

Just hours before England pulled off their historic six wicket victory over Pakistan in Karachi, Vodafone confirmed they were extending their team sponsorship until 2005 in a deal worth £12 million.

Now, ECB's commercial department are busy replacing Test match sponsors Cornhill, domestic one-day backers NatWest and PPP healthcare, who sponsored the county championship.

But Lord MacLaurin said he was confident that the change in England's fortunes would be reflected in a round of new deals.

"It's been a wonderful year for England cricket," he said.

"Vodafone have shown great interest in English cricket, and I have no doubt at all that we have a number of companies that are very interested in sponsoring the Test series, taking over NatWest and for the county championship.

"Cricket in this country is very much on the up. We've got a management team together until the end of 2003, and I hope England cricket will go from strength to strength.

"Three years ago I was in Zimbabwe for the first time (on England's tour), and having been successful in business I couldn't believe what a shambles it was.

"It took a year to get The Management right. Running cricket is like running a successful business; you get the foundations and personalities right, and it gives everyone a chance to perform to the best of their ability.

"This is exactly what has happened. We have two outstanding people in Duncan Fletcher and Nasser Hussain."

MacLaurin was one of the first dignitaries to arrive at Heathrow this morning to welcome home Hussain's victorious side and admitted he was glued to the television to watch England's triumph.

"I watched the match on TV and I was riveted. Through the whole tour they showed tremendous resilience and team spirit."