Shapoorji Pillonji is a name that few in Ireland will be familiar with but it is central to what is one of the largest and longest term sponsorship deals that Irish sport has ever signed.
Cricket Ireland announced the deal yesterday for a ten year partnership and a multi million investment in the Shapoorji Pillonji Cricket Ireland Academy.
The group is a €3 billion industrial conglomerate covering construction, infrastructure, logistics and with an 18% stake in the Tata Steel group, one of the largest in the world. It is 150 years old and owned by the Mistry family.
Patsy Mistry, the Mother of Shapoor who announced the deal by video link from Mumbai yesterday was born in Hatch Street in Dublin during the second world war. Her husband and Chairman of the group Pallonji took out Irish citizenship in 2003 and the investment in Irish cricket is seen by the family as “giving something back to Ireland.”
“We believe in nurturing internal talent and the growth in our companies has been driven by our people in an organic fashion,” said Mistry.
“By offering an opportunity to young cricket players to develop their skills we are doing with Cricket Ireland what we hold as important principles in our own business.”
“Success does not come easy by by putting in hard work and dedication the young players can fulfil their potential to be talented on a world stage.”
“As they do so our own relationship with Cricket and with Ireland will go from strength to strength.”
The importance of the deal beyond the boundaries of Cricket was evidenced by the presence of Minister for transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohue. This was despite yesterday being the first day back after the summer break for Dáil deputies.
“It is an important deal for a sport which has produced some memorable moments for Ireland since 2007,” said Donohue who spoke of his own children’s excitement when he said he was going to be meeting members of the Irish Cricket team.
“Big wins and strong performances at World Cups have punched though the national consciousness and produced real momentum in the sport which this partnership will further strengthen.”
The group employs 23,000 people in over 30 countries around the world. In addition to the construction foundation companies it also includes real estate and a growing agriculture business which may further links with Ireland.
From a sporting perspective the deal will fund the the skills, training and lifestyle development of 22 young players.
“Irish cricket first instated professional playing contracts in 2009 and this year we have 24 players at senior level who are developing their talent on a professional basis with us,” said Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom.
“We have to provide vision as to how they can help Ireland join the elite rank of cricket nations and that requires continual investment.”
“In Shapoorji Pillonji we have found the perfect partners to deliver world class programmes.”
“Our clean sweep of European Championships in the women’s game and at under age level this year shows we are on the right path, and this new deal will be of immeasurable help.”
Cricket Ireland has existing deals with Toyota, Newstalk and other partners. It’s overall sponsor RSA is stepping down at the end of this year. With a World Cup in Australia in February, and games in Ireland next year against England and Australia, as well as the opportunity to forge a relationship with one of the world’s largest families, the job of finding a replacement just became one or two steps further down the crease.
