Date:06/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/06/stories/2005080602110800.htm

Back Nimbus Sport bags 3-yr rights to Afro-Asia cricket cup

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Aug. 5

NIMBUS Sport and the Asian Cricket Council have entered into a three-year commercial agreement whereby rights to the Afro-Asia Cup cricket tournaments of 2005, 2006 & 2007 have been assigned to Nimbus Sport. Nimbus shall also be the host broadcaster for the 2006 and 2007 tournaments.

According to a company statement, Nimbus Sport plans to introduce several television licensing innovations with the Afro-Asia Cup. The tournament will have a title sponsor and two official sponsors.

Commenting on the tournament, Mr Jagmohan Dalmiya, President of the Asian Cricket Council, said, "The Afro-Asia Cup will bring together the best players from Africa and Asia in a highly competitive tournament."

Mr. Harish Thawani, Chairman, Nimbus Sports, said, "We have already had unprecedented interest from broadcasters and sponsors and will announce major partnerships as early as next week."

The 2006 tournament will be in Asia and the 2007 tournament will be in Africa. All three Afro-Asia Cups will consist of three One Day Internationals, with the teams being drawn from the best players of the respective continents.

According to the release, Nimbus Sport has recently won several new assignments including A1 Grand Prix, Asian Bowling Tour and two major, soon to be announced, golf and football long-term deals.