Emirates will continue their partnership with the ICC until 2023 ©ICC

Emirates Airline and the International Cricket Council (ICC) have announced the extension of their long-running sponsorship, with the new agreement scheduled to end in 2023.

The ICC began a relationship with the airline when they became a sponsor back in 2002, before becoming an official partner of the governing body for the 2007 to 2015 events cycle.

Under the terms of the new agreement, they will continue as a global partner for all ICC events from 2016 to 2023, with tournaments including the World Twenty20 in 2020 and two editions of the ICC Champions Trophy.

The 2019 and 2023 Cricket World Cups in England and India will also be included, along with women’s, age-group, qualifying and development tournaments.

“I am delighted that Emirates has decided to continue its support for cricket by extending its partnership with the ICC,” said David Richardson, ICC chief executive.

“The ongoing support of the world class Emirates brand is a compliment to the health and popularity of the game and we are grateful for their assistance in ensuring that our events can continue to grow from strength to strength.”

Emirates were an official partner for the recent World Twenty20 in India, won by the West Indies ©Getty Images
Emirates were an official partner for the recent World Twenty20 in India, won by the West Indies ©Getty Images

Emirates will also continue as the official sponsor of the ICC’s elite panel of umpires and match referees.

It will see their Fly Emirates logo continuing to be displayed on umpires’ clothing when officiating at international matches.

“The renewal of our partnership with the ICC confirms our commitment to cricket, which dates all the way back to 1999 when we sponsored the Australian team, which went on to win the World Cup,” said Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ divisional senior vice-president of corporate communications, marketing and brand.

“Since then, cricket has offered us a powerful platform to connect with fans and communities of cricket playing nations across Asia, Australasia and the United Kingdom.

“We look forward to celebrating the best moments of this inspiring sport for upcoming tournaments and events.”