Cricket Ireland has signed one of the largest sponsorship deals of the year to date with Indian and US conglomerate the KPC Group committing to a three year deal that is worth a significant six figure sum towards the development of cricket into a mainstream sport on the island of Ireland.
This is the second major deal signed with Indian partners following last years announcement of the sponsorship of the Cricket Ireland academy by Shapoorji Pillonji in a long term ten year deal.
“The KPC Group are delighted to announce our eminent partnership with Cricket Ireland for the next three years,” said Dr Kali Pradip Chauduri speaking to an audience of Cricket leaders and supporters in Dublin’s Lighthouse Cinema yesterday.
“Cricket Ireland’s growing global status and vision is very impressive and we look forward to working with them on their journey to Test cricket.”
“The KPC Group have followed Ireland’s progress over the last number of years and we’re looking forward to partnering with the organisation and becoming part of this great success story.
“As a world leader in the medical and other sectors, and as the KPC brand continues to grow globally, we believe there is an opportunity to work with Cricket Ireland for the benefit of both organisations on a number of initiatives.”
“One of these initiatives is the opportunity to engage our Irish American audience and the Irish American Business Community in the USA through the Irish cricket team.
“As part of our agreement we are also eagerly anticipating the visits to Ireland by both Sri Lanka in June and Pakistan in August to play in The KPC Group ODI series and to The KPC Group Cricket Ireland Awards which will take place at the end of the season.”
The announcement was made in parallel with the publication of a new five year plan to take Cricket to new heights in the modern era, and to mount a real bid to join Rugby, the GAA and Soccer as a mass market, player and supporter led sport by 2020.
Towards that goal Ireland will play nine international matches between Belfast and Dublin this year, more than has ever been the case before.
“Our goal of playing Test matches by the end of 2020 needs to be broader and more ambitious – it needs to envision Ireland not just being a major force in cricket, but cricket being a major force in Ireland,” said Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom.
“When we think of ‘major’ in Ireland, we think of GAA, rugby and football. Well, why not cricket too?.”
“We need to shift perceptions of cricket as an elitist, exclusive sport to one that is open and accessible to all.” We need to de-mystify the sport for the Irish public by making it visible, accessible, affordable and inspiring.”
There will also be six matches at home for the Women’s team who are also included in the KPC Group sponsorship as a mark of their growing visibility and position on the world stage.
“The Cricket Ireland plan recognises clubs as the hub of the sport and places them at the centre of focus for grass-roots development, helping them benefit from the record number of participants at school and youth level currently enjoying the game. We are launching a new club fund to assist the clubs with grants for equipment and facilities in addition to the practical support we provide already.”
KPC Group is now one of an enviable list of commercial partners that Cricket Ireland Commercial Director Dennis Cousins has assembled since the departure of RSA as the overall sponsor in 2014.
O’Neills signed up yesterday for another four year deal as the Official Kit Partner placing the ireland international kit alongside those of the big three sports in stores such as those operated by Lifetyle and Elverys across the country. They also announced plans for an online store for cricket gear and equipment which will be open next month.
Toyota are long term supporters as official Car Partners and sponsors of the Super 3’s tournament in the Women’s game, while Flogas, Hanley Energy and Oasis are others to be part of the ecosystem of support that is fuelling the growth in status and ambition of the sport.
DCU and Ulster University are both onside as University Partners and funding is provided through Sport Ireland, Sport NI and the International Cricket Council which is second only to FIFA in terms of global sporting power and influence.
“Our new partnership with The KPC Group reflects our growing profile worldwide and our commercial appeal to global brands,” said Cousins.
“It’s an exciting partnership for Cricket Ireland which will help us to achieve many of the objectives set out in our new Strategic Plan.”
“Working with The KPC Group will enable us to further extend our reach and to continue to bring Irish cricket to a wider global audience.”
