Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, the Delhi Daredevils have secured the primary sponsorship of the Muthoot Group, in a deal brokered by Creatigies Communications.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Muthoot Group, a 113-year-old conglomerate active in a wide range of financial service sectors, will be entitled to branding on the front of the Daredevils’ matchday shirt and a range of other promotional opportunities.

The deal is believed to be a long term agreement, despite financial details not being disclosed. The Muthoot Group will replace outgoing sponsor Hero Honda.

Delhi Daredevils chief operating officer Amrit Mathur said: “We are indeed delighted that the Muthoot Group is coming on board as the main team sponsor of the Delhi Daredevils. We’ve had a great association with The Muthoot Group and we believe this to be an ideal long-term partner for Delhi Daredevils.”

Alexander George Muthoot, a director of the Muthoot Group, added: “IPL is by far the biggest sporting spectacle in India and has got bigger and better each year. Last year, The Muthoot Group was associated with the Delhi Daredevils and we are happy to continue this partnership for the coming years too.”

Creatigies Communications founder and managing director Navrose D Dhondy said: “Last year, Muthoot sampled the IPL and the Daredevils, and this time went for the main course. Muthoot has valued the relationship with Daredevils and invested in the association to ensure greater value to both sides.”

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has partnered with 92.7 Big FM the radio arm of Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL) as the official radio partner ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Famous Asian cricket commentators like Arun Lal, viagra pills Charu Sharma join the programme to provide expert comments during the match and explain finer details on the World Cup 2011. Prior to every match, the radio station will treat its listeners with Pitch Report, Astro Prediction, Weather Report, Team Profiles, among others.

Commenting on the development, 92.7 Big FM Business Head Soumen Ghosh Choudhary stated: “We are excited to be associated with this prestigious cricketing event and this campaign sets a new benchmark for the offerings of 92.7 Big FM to its listeners. We will offer the perfect blend of Bollywood and cricket and give a chance to our listeners to be a part of the World Cup while allowing them a chance for excellent gratification too.”

The radio station further take the activity to social networking sites like Facebook wherein people can add an exciting gaming application and send challenges to their friends who can either bet on a match or a player.

An agreement is believed to have been made between Formula One stakeholders for Grand Prix cars to utilize a new type of ‘green’ engine from 2013.

The current 2.4-litre V8s will be replaced by 1.6-litre, four-cylinder turbo engines which have energy recovery systems and fuel restrictions. The move has the aim of increasing public demand for such engines following the trend towards fuel-efficiency in road cars. The new regulations may be confirmed by governing body the FIA on 10th December.

Both Mercedes and Ferrari were thought to have been reluctant to agree to the switch as they felt that it was an unnecessary expense at a time when F1 was trying to reduce costs. However, A Ferrari spokesman stated that the rules had been agreed and he would be ‘surprised’ if it was not announced by the FIA World Council.

The new rules have been established in the hope that the efficiency of F1 engines can be improved by as much as 50%. Relevant caution has been taken to ensure the performance of cars will not be affected and total power outputs will remain at current levels – approximately 750bhp in tests and negotiations that have spanned over months. The switch looked as though it may have been delayed until 2014 and was even rumoured to have been put back as late as 2017.

It is believed that the regulations will go before the F1 Commission – a group of stakeholders that agrees all rule changes – on Thursday 9th December before being rubber-stamped by the World Council the following day. Increasing the future sustainability of F1 was made a keen aim by F1 teams’ organisation FOTA and FIA president Jean Todt with recent developments seen as a triumph by both.

The International cricket Council (ICC) has officially launched its Global Cricket Academy based at Dubai Sports City.

Present at the launch was ICC President Sharad Pawar, ICC Vice-President Alan Isaac and several members of the ICC Board as well as ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat. There on behalf of Dubai Sports City were its founding partners while Dubailand was represented by its Chief Executive Mohammed Al Habbai.

Pawar said: “This outstanding academy will provide a pathway for the world’s current and emerging international players to excel. It will also become the centre of excellence for cricket’s best and brightest administrators, coaches, umpires and curators.

“With its state-of-the-art programmes, facilities and coaches, the ICC GCA will provide a home for a wide range of our stakeholders from both the traditional Full Members and the developing Associate and Affiliate Members. We believe the ICC GCA is key in making our great sport, even greater.”

Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, Managing Director of Dubai Sports City said: “This is indeed a historic and momentous occasion for world cricket and another significant milestone in the evolution of Dubai Sports City. This academy project has come about through our excellent partnership with the ICC.

“It is the philosophy of Dubai Sports City to create partnerships and be associated with the best of breeds in all sports. Pivotal to this philosophy is the development of sportsmen and women at all levels – from amateur to professional. We firmly believe that we are creating an environment in which this ambition can be fulfilled. Dubai Sports City is delighted to have the ICC Global Cricket Academy as part of our offering.”

Organisers of the Delhi Commonwealth Games are to hand out free tickets to tackle the problem of empty seats.

Many of the competitions have been poorly attended at the Games, sale which began this week.

Now organisers are hoping to solve this problem with a ticket giveaway scheme to childen adn teh underprivileged.

Chairman of the Delhi organising committee Suresh Kalmadi said: “We are working on the children from schools – already steps have been taken in that direction.

“And also from the low level of society, allergy we have been distributing a lot of tickets.”

Kalmadi also said that ticket booths have now been opened at all the venues to make it easier to purchase them.

He added: “There were problems – some of the ticket stalls were not put up, but all the stalls are up now at all the stadiums.”

ATP’s Dusseldorf Open has been dropped from the calendar after organisers failed to attract a title sponsor.

Tournament director Dietloff von Arnim announced that it made “no sense” to continue with the event, which was won by home favourite Philipp Kohlschreiber in May.

The event started as the ATP World Team Cup in 1978 and was played annually for 34 years before becoming an individual tournament in 2013.

Von Arnim confirmed the demise of the tournament.

He said: “We have spoken to many, but nobody wanted to be the title sponsor. Under these circumstances, a continuation of the tournament simply made no sense.

“It is a pity. The World Team Cup tournament and the subsequent events were always beautiful.”

Von Arnim added that he hoped the tournament would be revived in the future, while German tennis officials are considering launching a new event at the North Rhine-Westphalian venue.

Germany and the USA each won the World Team Cup five times each before the tournament was transformed into an ATP 250 event last year.

Lancashire County Cricket Club has today announced that it is extending the offer for its Cricket Bond – the first ever mini bond in the sport – having raised £2.2m.

With applications and enquiries from investors continuing, generic the Club has decided to extend the application period by 14 days until Monday 10th November 2014. Applications can be made through www.cricketbond.com. 

A five-year initial fixed-term mini bond offering 7% gross interest per annum for investments from £1, malady 000, medic the Cricket Bond is made up of 5% paid in cash and 2% in Credit4Cricket Units. Credit4Cricket Units can be redeemed against the Club’s international and domestic tickets and hospitality products, such as food and beverage packages and also Membership fees.

Funds raised will be used to further build on the development work recently undertaken at Emirates Old Trafford, the Club’s award-winning Ground, through the construction of a four-star branded hotel to replace the existing Old Trafford Lodge.

Daniel Gidney, CEO at Lancashire County Cricket Club said: “We’re thrilled that so many people have been interested in playing such an important part in our Club’s history and we have now raised enough capital to drive forward with our exciting hotel development.”

“However, as we’re currently being inundated with enquiries and demand for our Cricket Bond is as high as it’s ever been, it seems right to keep the offer open to ensure we’ve giving cricket fans and investors the opportunity to get involved and share in the future success of the Club.”

Applications for the Bond are due to close at 1pm on 10th November 2014 and will be considered on a first come, first served basis

Leeds based PR and sponsorship agency Hatch Communications has been appointed by LeasePlan Go to activate their sponsorship with Leeds United Football Club this season.

As the official car supplier to Leeds United FC, prostate LeasePlan Go offer personal and business vehicle leasing nationwide. The sponsorship, capsule which is in its second year, will see Hatch Communications working alongside LeasePlan Go and the club to engage with Leeds United fans across the UK to promote the various vehicle leasing solutions available to fans and corporate guests.

Simon Carr, Brand Director at LeasePlan Go, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Hatch Communications to maximise our partnership with Leeds United FC. We believe they can help us engage with the football community at a local and national level, through their excellent sponsorship credentials and PR expertise. Our brand has grown significantly over the past year and sponsorship is a key priority for us, so this is an exciting season both on and off the pitch.”

Jason Madeley, Director at Hatch Communications, said: “We are thrilled to have been appointed by LeasePlan Go and are looking forward to helping them activate their sponsorship at this exciting time. As our HQ is based in Leeds just round the corner from Elland Road, we are very much looking forward to working with the club and the fans to increase the awareness of LeasePlan Go and ultimately drive sales.”

Hatch currently oversees the PR, sponsorship and communications for a number of national clients including Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, the Wensleydale Creamery, and Thomson Sport.

The International Federation of American Football (IFAF), American football’s international governing body, has voted in favor of changing the 2014 IFAF Flag Football World Championship host form Israel to Italy. 

Last week, the IFAF voted to postpone the Championships due to safety concerns in the previously designated host country, Israel. The recent and ongoing conflict between Gaza and Israel, combined with the last week’s flight bans to Israel from numerous nations’ airlines, had cast a dangerous shadow over the games.

An IFAF statement read: “The event will be hosted in Italy between September 10 -12. IFAF is working with the national federations to confirm the countries that will be participating in the World Championsip.” 

“IFAF recognizes the short-term change and will try to help to ensure the most national teams can participate in the event.”