The ECB have announced that Friends Provident is to become the official sponsor of England Age Group Cricket on a two-year deal.

Friends Provident, who already sponsors the Friends Provident Trophy, will give its backing to England men and women’s Under-19s, men’s Under-17s and Under-15s and become title sponsor of regional Under-17, Under-15, Under-14 and Under-13 competitions.

The financial services company is the first to sponsor England Age Group Cricket, and begin the deal supporting the England team who made a winning start against Ireland in their quest to become ICC Under-19 World Cup Champions in Malaysia.

ECB Commercial Director John Perera said: “The ECB and Friends Provident have built a very strong relationship in a relatively short space of time through their title sponsorship of the Friends Provident Trophy.  

“I am sure we will develop a similarly innovative approach to the partnership with England Age Group Cricket and we are delighted that Friends Provident has chosen to support the future development of our cricketers as well as one of our leading First Class competitions.”

Ashley Taylor, Senior Manager, Group Communications at Friends Provident said: “Friends Provident is delighted to be supporting England Age Group Cricket including the England Women’s Under-19s team.

“This sponsorship, along with the Friends Provident Trophy, shows our commitment to developing the England stars of the future.

“Supporting England Age Group Cricket reinforces our growing association with the sport, so is an exciting time for both Friends Provident and the development of rising international stars.”

As part of the sponsorship, the ECB and Friends Provident will profile the top six players in the Elite Player Development Programme and follow their progress throughout the season at www.friendsprovident.com/cricket.