Newstalk 106-108 FM have been unveiled as the new sponsor of the 2014 Interprovincial Series, which will see Leinster Lightning, Northern Knights and the North West Warriors competing across the Newstalk Interprovincial three-day Championship, 50-over Cup and 20-over Trophy.
Newstalk sports editor Ger Gilroy said: “Cricket has seen a surge in popularity, across Ireland, in recent years and we are seeing more and more young people taking to the sport. Our seven-day Off the Ball offering is designed to keep listeners up-to-date with the latest developments across all sports. We are delighted to sponsor the Interprovincial Series and we look forward to supporting the teams throughout the season.”
Dennis Cousins, Head of Commercial at Cricket Ireland, also welcomed the new deal saying: "We are delighted to welcome Newstalk into the Cricket Ireland family. Newstalk’s national reach and strong sports offering will no doubt help drive the ongoing growth of and interest in Irish cricket."
"The Interprovincial Series is the bridge between club cricket and international cricket. It is extremely important in aiding Cricket Ireland’s journey to becoming a Test Playing Nation. To have an association with a prestigious, ambitious and dynamic brand like Newstalk is an important development for Cricket Ireland and the Interprovincial Series."
"Our partnership with Newstalk also means that cricket fans, from across the country, can look forward to increased quality coverage of the game at international and grassroots level, throughout the season ahead."
Cricket Ireland CEO Warren Deutrom said “We think Newstalk is going to be of great assistance in terms of providing a higher profile to the event as we regard the Interprovincial structure as the most important thing we will be doing during our four year plan."
Leinster Lightning topped the inaugural 3-day Championship table in 2013, going unbeaten in their four matches, to win by a clear margin of 21 points. Leinster also won the 20 over trophy by virtue of a superior run-rate, after they finished level on points with the Northern Knights.
They were prevented from a historic treble following their dramatic last-day loss in the 50 over competition against the Warriors, which handed the trophy to the Knights.
With the 50-over World Cup in Australasia next year and perhaps more crucially the start of the next Intercontinental Cup which opens up the pathway to Test cricket, quality performances in the inter-pros should provide players with the opportunity to break into the Ireland squad. The squads include over twenty Ireland Internationals and a host of players who have been capped at under age level so there is both quality and depth to all three versions of the championship.
The 2014 Newstalk Interprovincial Series will kick-off on Saturday May 3rd at The Hills, when hosts Leinster Lightning take on the North West Warriors in a 50 over contest. Action at Milverton gets under way at 10.45 am.
