May 17  
TOWER to sponsor Pak-Australia one-dayers

SYDNEY: The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) on Thursday announced a significant sponsorship agreement with 'TOWER' for the naming rights of Super Challenge-II the June One-day International series between Pakistan and Australia in Melbourne and Brisbane.

The agreement sees Tower, a financial services company, join the ACB's impressive portfolio of commercial partners and gain on-ground signage rights, branding on the Australian team's playing and training apparel and top-level corporate entertainment.

ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said the Tower announcement was a key indicator of cricket's healthy position. "In a competitive sports sponsorship market, it is pleasing that Australian cricket has attracted another corporate partner prepared to invest in the sport.

"We are thrilled that Tower have committed their association with Super Challenge-II an exciting and innovative series of international cricket that will whet the appetite of cricket fans in Australia and around the world."

The announcement of Tower Super Challenge-II comes amid Australian cricket's celebrations after being crowned the 'World Team of the Year' at the recent Laureus Sports Awards in Monaco.

"Australian cricket is celebrating the award, but we can't bask in the sun for too long. The team has a huge challenge ahead in trying to uphold its world champion status against Pakistan, who are a formidable opponent," Sutherland said.

Tower Super Challenge-II will take place under the roof at Melbourne's Colonial Stadium on June 12 and 15, and at the Gabba in Brisbane on the 19th.

The Pakistan-Australia head-to-head record suggests the series will be closely contested. From the 60 One-day Internationals played between the two nations, Australia have won 33 and lost 24, with one tie and two matches finishing without a result.