TELECOMMUNICATIONS GIANT Digicel confirmed the start of its innings with regional cricket yesterday by signing a five-year US$20-million deal with the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB). The deal was signed in London and in a release faxed from the English city, Chairman of Digicel Group, Denis O'Brien, said his company takes enormous pride in becoming the official main sponsor of the West Indies cricket team. "We are delighted to make available this substantial sponsorship package to West Indies cricket," he said of the deal which officially takes effect for the January-February 2005 tour to Australia. He added: "As the number one Caribbean mobile telecommunications provider we are committed to further strengthening our involvement in communities throughout the Caribbean. THE FUTURE OF CARIB CRICKET "We believe in the future of Caribbean and its cricket. Our intention is to enable the West Indies to get back to the top of world cricket and to success in the ICC Cricket World 2007. Digicel will also be looking at ways to make the game more interactive, using our technology and an even more enjoyable experience for cricket in the Caribbean." Speaking at yesterday's announcement ceremony in London, WICB president Teddy Griffiths, said: "Our partnership with Digicel represents a new era for the sponsorship of West Indies cricket. "Digicel's dynamic, innovative, forward-thinking attitude, which has transformed the telecommunications market in the Caribbean in under three years and will no doubt have the same impact on West Indies cricket. Change is inevitable and we look forward to a long and rewarding partnership with Digicel." Another ceremony was held at Sabina Park yesterday morning where Digicel's Group CEO Seamus Lynch, in outlining his company's sponsorship, compared the bargaining process to a 'sticky wicket' as his team batted for the last nine months to seal the negotiation. Digicel also recently sponsorship of the Caribbean Football Union regional championship, replaced long-serving sponsors of West Indies cricket, Cable & Wireless. Despite that, the latter secured the deal as sponsors of the 2007 World Cup and also an endorsement logo deal with captain Brain Lara. Lynch noted both and said they do not expect it to affect their relationship with the Windies skipper or any of the team's other players. He said: "Captain Brian Lara has signed up with our competitor for a year. While he is engaged and while any of the players are engaged in West Indies Cricket Board activities, they are available for use to Digicel at all times." SOURCE: JAMAICA-GLEANER.COM