Yorkshire Bank to be new sponsor of 40-over cricket competition

The ECB has announced that Yorkshire Bank will become the new title sponsor of the domestic 40-over competition: the Yorkshire Bank 40.

Yorkshire Bank will continue its long-term support of domestic cricket together with its parent, Clydesdale Bank. The involvement of both banks with the ECB stretches back to 2005 and Yorkshire Bank will take over the naming rights of the competition, which Clydesdale Bank has partnered since 2010.

The Yorkshire Bank 40 is one of three competitions making up the 2013 domestic season and the only one with a Lord's final.

The Yorkshire Bank 40 is designed to appeal to sport-loving families and, with the majority of matches taking place on Sunday afternoons, it will continue to be a regular weekend fixture throughout the summer.

John Perera, ECB Commercial Director, said: "Both the ECB and the bank are proud of this long-standing relationship, and we look forward to another great one-day competition this summer".

Caroline Darnbrook, Head of Brand at Yorkshire Bank, said: "Clydesdale and Yorkshire Banks have been proud partners of domestic cricket and the ECB for seven years.

"Having had great success with the 40-over under Clydesdale Bank's sponsorship and prior to that with both banks supporting the Twenty20 competition, we are now looking forward to continuing this relationship and support with Yorkshire Bank, at both professional and community levels of the sport".

Yorkshire Bank will also become the official sponsor of the ECB County Cups at U14, U15 and U17 levels.

Picture: England Test and ODI captain Alastair Cook poses with the Yorkshire Bank 40 trophy following the sponsorship announcement