ECB sign Women's sponsorship deal

The ECB have signed a major sponsorship deal for England Women, in another fillip for the women's game.

The two-year deal with car-manufacturer Kia represents the first standalone commercial deal for the England Women's team.

The deal follows the first set of central contracts being awarded to England's women in May and those players will be provided with a Kia car for the duration of the sponsorship.

But exposure from the deal will be limited, with England Women engaged in just 10 days of cricket this summer - a Test and three ODIs against India followed by three T20s against South Africa.

"This agreement is a ground-breaking first for the England women's team and reflects the huge success the side has enjoyed over the last 12 months, along with the players' wider role as superb ambassadors for the sport," the outgoing ECB chief executive, David Collier, said.

Clare Connor, ECB's Head of Women's Cricket, added: "Major global brands want to be associated with winners, and it is fantastic that the team's outstanding performances on the field and growing media profile have enabled the England women's cricket to earn their first-ever standalone commercial deal.

"This is a significant breakthrough for both women's cricket and women's sport as a whole, and I'm sure our commercial team will be working closely with Kia to help them achieve maximum exposure for their brand."