Emirates become Old Trafford sponsor

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Lancashire’s home has been renamed Emirates Old Trafford as part of a 10-year deal between the Red Rose county and the airline.

Emirates will have the official stadium naming rights during that period and their brand will appear on the front of the Lightning’s Friends Life t20 kits.

Emirates already sponsor Durham’s ground, the Emirates Durham ICG, and are an official partner to the International Cricket Council, an alliance including the World Cup.

Lancashire chairman Michael Cairns OBE said: "This announcement represents another major step in the redevelopment of Old Trafford.

As part of the airline's 10-year contract to sponsor Old Trafford, Emirates will appear on the front of Lancashire's Friends Life t20 kit

"The intention to secure a naming-rights partner was always on our list of objectives; however, it remained paramount that we secure a partner who was actively committed to cricket and its future while at the same time had significant interests in Manchester and the north west.

"We could not have found a better and more suitable partner than Emirates. We are extremely proud to be associated with them and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.

"The financial benefits of this deal are a core component of our long-term strategy for commercial sustainability.

"The partnership will support our intention to be regarded as one of the top county cricket clubs in the country and undisputed as a ‘category A’ Test match venue. We remain committed to providing the very best facilities for our members, players and spectators."

Sir Maurice Flanagan, Emirates executive vice chairman Emirates airline and group, said: "This is an excellent opportunity to build upon Emirates' commitment to cricket, a sport we have been associated with in the UK since 2002.

"This association also highlights our continued investment in Manchester and the surrounding region, a hub which we see as vital to our operations in the UK and from which we operate three daily flights, including one of our flagship A380s.

"We're hugely looking forward to supporting Lancashire cricket and its fans both here and abroad, in what is a further significant investment by Emirates to the region. Cricket at Lancashire County Cricket Club is of the highest quality, it has a global reach and has produced legends in the sport and we are proud to be lending our name to such incredible success."

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