ECB secures umpires deal with Specsavers

Specsavers has become the Official Optometry and Hearing Partner of ECB and the Principal Partner of the Association of Cricket Officials (ACO) under a three-year deal.

The opticians chain will benefit from branding on clothing worn by umpires officiating in county cricket's three major competitions – the LV= County Championship, NatWest T20 Blast and Royal London One-Day Cup.

Additionally, the partnership includes brand exposure on clothing worn by ACO-appointed umpires in the latter stages of the Royal London National Club Championship, NatWest Club T20 matches and ECB County Age Group competitions.

Specsavers will also support numerous awards to recognise outstanding umpires.

ECB Chief Executive, David Collier, said: "This partnership is of great benefit to the ECB, ACO and the game's umpires themselves. It recognises the importance of umpires and officials, and ECB is indebted to Specsavers for this sponsorship".

Richard Holmes, Specsavers' marketing director, added: "Technological advancements in recent years have certainly helped umpires but we will always rely on their personal judgements. At Specsavers we are glad to do our bit where we can to help ensure they get the best possible support to do their job".