Mobil BD's WC sponsor

Mobil has become the new official sponsor of the Bangladesh cricket team in the World Cup, starting in Southern Africa from February 8.

Riazuddin Al Mamun, chairman of the BCB's (Bangladesh Cricket Board's) media committee, officially disclosed it at a local hotel yesterday. Azam Chowdhury, managing director of the Mobil Bangladesh Limited, was also present there.

The Board struck an impromptu deal with Mobil after its regular sponsor Coca-Cola decided to end the three-year contract prematurely. Many believe that the Coca-Cola pulled out of the deal because of the ICC's controversial ambush marketing policy that would bar players from sporting sponsor's logo.

Mobil clinched the sponsorship deal for Taka 20 lakh, which, as claimed by the chairman of marketing committee Aziz Al Kaisar, was the highest offer among a few aspirants.

Azam Chowdhury, in his brief speech, said that it was an honour for his company to be associated with the national cricket team.

"In Bangladesh, cricket is not only a game. It has also become an inseparable part of the nation," said the Bangladesh chief of the famous American lubricant manufacturer.

The members of the Bangladesh squad including skipper Khaled Mashud were also present on the occasion.