Anthony Foster, Freelance Writer

Jackie Hendriks, president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) (right) and Sibi Sheikh, co-managing director of Ihsan Sports (left) sign the gear sponsorship deal at Sabina Park yesterday. Looking on are JCA first vice-president Paul Campbell (at rear left) and Elliot Wilson, attorney-at-law. - Junior Dowie/Staff Photographer

JAMAICA CRICKET received a significant financial boost yesterday when Ihsan Sports, a Pakistan-based company, announced a sponsorship deal of more than $32 million over three years.

In the agreement, signed yesterday by president of the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) President Jackie Hendriks and Ihsan Sports' co-managing director, Sibi Sheikh, at Sabina Park, $32.175 million will go towards providing gear for all national teams.

In outlining the details, which was announced as US$150,000 per year for three years, Hendriks said the arrangement would see playing, training and travelling gear being provided for all national teams, including women's sides.

The Super Cup and Senior Cup teams, along with umpires, will also benefit in terms of warm-up and training gear for the next three seasons.

The deal will also stretch down to the Cricket School of Excellence which will receive bats and pads along with training, playing and travel gear. The Cricket School of Excellence will start next September at Sabina Park.

"It's certainly was a huge sponsorship," Hendriks said yesterday. "It's a great shot in the arm for us. This is a partnership we hope will continue and will be naturally satisfactory to both parties," he said.

Hendriks also thanked Faith Simms, managing director of Wilco Sports - the local distributor of Ihsan and Sheikh, for making the deal a reality.

Sheikh, who works out of the regional head office in Trinidad and Tobago, said his company, which has been in existence since 1957, was delighted to help out Jamaica cricket.

Fruitful relationship

"I am very much delighted to be associated with Jamaica Cricket Association," Sheikh said of his company's deal.

"We look to a long-term and fruitful relationship," he said.

He also noted that his company sponsored past and present international players including greats Imran Khan, Viv Richards and Allan Border. Jamaicans Brenton Parchment and Daren Powell are also sponsored by Ihsan Sports.

Sheikh also made it clear that his company was willing to support young cricketers with potential, and anyone could pick up an application form at Wilco Sports. "We as sponsors and we feel responsible to help those players who are very serious in this game and want to become professionals. We will give you gear for free," he said.