Denis O’Brien’s Digicel mobile phone group is in talks with the West Indies Cricket Board about extending its $20 million-plus (€15 million) sponsorship of the region’s international team.
A spokeswoman for Digicel told The Irish Times yesterday that “ongoing negotiations” were taking place over a new deal.
Digicel acquired the rights to the West Indies cricket team in July 2004, with the deal taking effect in January 2005.
It was extended in 2007 and is worth a guaranteed $4 million a year plus bonuses and additional support. It expires in September.
The cricket board will seek other offers but Digicel has the right to match any bid for the rights. Last month, cricket board president Julian Hunte said “discussions are continuing with Digicel”.
The deal covers the West Indies test, one-day and Twenty20 sides, and under-age teams.
The West Indies last week lost a three-test series to Australia 2-0. The team is only ranked eighth in the test and one-day world rankings and ninth in Twenty20, one place behind Ireland.
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