Gilchrist creates first with bat sponsorship deal

Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist is set to make history today by becoming the first international cricketer to carry commercial sponsorship on his bat.

In his appearances in VB Series matches in Melbourne over the next three days against New Zealand and South Africa respectively, Gilchrist is poised to take advantage of a recent change to International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations that now allows for advertising to be carried on a player's bat.

The back of the Australian vice-captain's bat will feature a small logo advertising Travelex, a foreign currency exchange company. Travelex sponsored the Australian team on its recent Ashes tour of England and has elected to continue a commercial association with the side in a deal which will link its name with Gilchrist's bat for the period up to and including next year's World Cup tournament.

"I'm delighted to be renewing my relationship with Travelex in such an exciting and innovative area of sponsorship," said Gilchrist.

The ICC's Executive Board voted to amend rules governing bat sponsorship at a meeting in Kuala Lumpur in October. The new measures were then formally implemented last month as part of a series of changes to regulations that apply to the use of advertising on clothing and equipment.

"Obviously, endorsement on bats represents a significant opportunity for cricketers throughout the world to help maximise their commercial value in the short time that they have available during their careers," added Gilchrist.

"The administrators are to be applauded for helping to provide players with this opportunity and to allow sponsors to benefit even further from their involvement with our great game."

Gilchrist is expected to open the Australian innings during the day-night encounter with New Zealand that today launches this season's VB Series of one-day international matches.

The 30-year-old has appeared in a total of 28 Tests and 119 one-day internationals for his country and is widely regarded as one of the world's most exciting contemporary players.