Beximco Tigers sponsors

BCB's chief executive officer Manzur Ahmed (sitting, R) shakes hand with Beximco Group's executive director Intekhab Mahmud after they signed a Tk 3.5 crore deal awarding the conglomerate the official sponsorship of the Tigers for the ICC Cricket World Cup. Photo: STAR

Beximco Group struck a deal with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) yesterday to become official sponsors of the national team for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.
In a press briefing at a city hotel yesterday, BCB's chief executive officer Manzur Ahmed informed that Beximco, one of the largest industrial conglomerates of the country, was the lone bidder and earned the deal at the floor price of Tk 3.5 crore.
"Only Beximco took part in the bidding process. There was no scope for negotiation. This is the highest amount we got from team sponsorship," said a delighted Manzur.
"This amount is for the six first round matches and the sum will be increased on a pro rata basis if Bangladesh progresses in the tournament," he added.
The sponsorship allows Beximco to use its logo on players' jersey, leading arm, practice and travel clothing.
Beximco's executive director Intekhab Mahmud signed the contract while Manzur Ahmed signed on behalf of BCB. Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons and captain Shakib Al Hasan were present during the signing ceremony.
BCB's previous best deal, which they penned with United Commercial Bank Ltd, for the team's sponsorship was worth 30,000 dollars (21 lakh taka) for the ICC T20 World Cup.
Beximco's vice-chairman Salman F Rahman thanked the BCB for allowing them to be the official sponsors of the national team while BCB president AHM Mustafa Kamal thanked Beximco for coming forward to extend their helping hands in order to making the event a success.
"We need help from everybody to become successful. ICC has given only 10 crore taka to BCB for hosting the mega event in Bangladesh, which is quite insufficient. So, we must thank those who came forward to help us," said Kamal.
The BCB boss also requested other industrial giants to come forward to make big-capacity venues so that huge number of fans can watch matches from the stands in future. He also said that they were planning to arrange a tournament like the money-spinning Indian Premier League (IPL) in the country.
Intekhab Mahmud informed that they would launch a countrywide 'Wish Campaign' from January 22 to inspire the national team before the World Cup.
He said a 100-foot bat will be carried on caravan through all 64 districts to collect signatures of cricket lovers across the country. The bat will then be handed over to the national team as a sign of inspiration at a reception on February 4.
Bangladesh will host eight matches including two quarterfinals besides the opening ceremony to be held on February 17 at the country's premier venue Bangabandhu National Stadium.