MUMBAI:  As fans are gearing up for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, slated to begin in February, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced a new partnership with MRF Tyres of India. The announcement comes a day after the tyre and rubber manufacturing company completed 25 years of its association with the gentlemen’s game.

Commenting on the new partnership, ICC chairman Narayanaswami Srinivasan said, “MRF is an active promoter of sport and by deciding to be associated with the ICC in challenging economic times, it has shown its faith and support in the ICC as well as its flagship event.”

In September, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) signed a five year agreement with the MRF Pace Foundation to train an elite group of 20 bowlers in three camps overseen by cricketer Glenn McGrath each year. “Through its foundation, which has seen it work alongside some of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, MRF also shares the ICC’s commitment to continuous quality improvement,” added Srinivasan.

Speaking on the new development, MRF chairman and managing director K M Mammen commented, “It is a historic moment for MRF. It is a matter of pride for MRF to be associated with the ICC World Cup Cricket 2015, which is considered by many to be the pinnacle of one-day cricket.”

Adding to this MRF executive vice president Koshy K Varghese said, “We intend leveraging this partnership to bring further awareness of MRF as a global brand.”

As one of the world’s leading manufacturers of tyres and allied rubber products, MRF has a long-standing association with the game. It’s Pace foundation has earned itself the reputation of being a leading institution for developing fast bowling skills across test playing countries.