Indian Premier League — the twenty20 tournament promoted by Board of Control for Cricket in India — today announced that Kingfisher Airlines will be the official umpire partner and will sponsor all third umpire decisions during the 59 matches staring April 18. The airlines bagged the order for five years for Rs 106 crore.

“Kingfisher Airlines has been associated with a variety of sports at the domestic and international levels. Its decision is testimony to the fact that the DLF Indian Premier League is here to stay,” said Lalit Modi, chairman and commissioner, DLF Indian Premier League.

Under the agreement, Kingfisher will receive branding rights on the umpires’ uniform and other opportunities.

Vijay Mallya, chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines, said, “We are delighted to extend our partnership with the DLF Indian Premier League. Kingfisher Airlines will present the DLF IPL umpires in a completely new and modern style while retaining their critical role in the sport.”

The first match will be played between Shah Rukh Khan’s Kolkata Knight Riders and Vijay Mallya’s Royal Challengers of Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.

© 2008 Business Standard filed by BS Reporter