ECB signs up Clydesdale Bank as sponsor for new 40 Over Competition

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) today announced a three year deal with Clydesdale Bank as the title sponsor for the new domestic 40 over competition, the Clydesdale Bank 40.

Clydesdale has been a long time supporter of cricket and the ECB. Clydesdale has been involved as an official partner of the domestic Twenty20 competition between 2005 and 2009 and has also established links with various counties and individual players.

The Clydesdale Bank 40 is one of three competitions making up the 2010 domestic season, and the 18 First Class Counties will play alongside Scotland, The Netherlands and an ECB Recreational XI. These twenty-one teams have been divided into three groups and each team will play every other team in their group home and away. The three teams finishing top of each group will qualify for the semi finals with the next best team across all groups awarded the remaining place. Lord“s Cricket Ground will host the Clydesdale Bank 40 Final on Saturday 18 September, 2010.

The Clydesdale Bank 40 is designed to appeal to sport loving families and with the majority of matches taking place on Sunday afternoons it is set to become a regular weekend fixture throughout the summer.

John Perera, ECB Commercial Director, said: "We are delighted to welcome Clydesdale Bank as the title sponsor for the 40 over competition particularly as it gives us an opportunity to build on an already strong working relationship. The Clydesdale Bank 40 is an exciting new competition and the format is designed to comfortably fit into the busy family weekend. We will be working closely with Clydesdale Bank over the next three years to ensure it establishes itself as a key part of the summer sporting calendar and is an opportunity for families to enjoy watching high quality cricket together."

Dean Cutbill, Director, Clydesdale Bank, said: “This continued investment underlines Clydesdale Bank“s support of domestic cricket and the growing stature the various competitions have on the sporting calendar. The 40-over competition has been adapted this year to further increase its appeal and it is exciting for Clydesdale Bank to be part of cricket“s further development in the UK. As well as traditional cricket fans, we hope that the new supporters who have taken to the Twenty20 game will join us in supporting the Clydesdale Bank 40.”

About Clydesdale Bank

Clydesdale Bank was established in 1838 in Glasgow and has a proud history of innovation and support for Scottish industry and communities as well as a significant presence in London and the South of England. With 152 retail branches and 49 business banking Financial Solutions Centres, Clydesdale Bank is one of Scotland’s largest banks. Clydesdale Bank was named as the “Best Mortgage Lender in Scotland” for the sixth year running in the 2009 Your Mortgage Awards. Clydesdale Bank PLC became a member of National Australia Bank Group in 1987.