PPP healthcare withdraw sponsorship of County Championship

PPP healthcare have withdrawn their sponsorship of the County Championship.

A statement has been released stating that: "Our contract with the ECB was developed in a way that would enable us to review our participation after two years."

"For commercial reasons, we have decided to exercise our option and withdraw."

"Our decision has nothing to do with dissatisfaction with cricket, the state of the game in this country or the way it is organised by the ECB."

"We have had a very good working relationship with the ECB and derived many benefits from the sponsorship and wish them well in attracting a new sponsor."

ECB Director of Corporate Affairs, John Read, told CricInfo: "We are sorry to see them cease their sponsorship, but fully understand the reasons."

"We expect to make an announcement regarding a new sponsor before Christmas."