Emirates ink deal with IPL

Emirates Airline, which serves India with 185 weekly flights, has strengthened its commitment to the country by becoming the team sponsor of IPL side Deccan Chargers. Emirates, which connects 10 points in India with flights to Dubai and its global network spanning six continents, will be supporting the Hyderabad-based club, which won the IPL in 2009, for their forthcoming season. “We are honoured to be joining forces with the Deccan Chargers and partnering with the team for the next three IPL campaigns,” said Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ vice president India and Nepal, at a press conference in Hyderabad to announce the agreement. “India is a vital market for Emirates and we recognise the huge role it has played in our development, from the employees who make up almost 25 percent our workforce to the millions of Indian passengers who book with us every year.” He added: “It is also a tremendous opportunity for us to further strengthen our support of a sport which the people of India follow with renowned passion.\" The Deccan Chargers – starting their title challenge against the Chennai Superkings in Vizag on April 7 - will feature Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, who will captain the side, South African stars JP Duminy and Dale Steyn, as well as Indian wicketkeeper/batsman Parthiv Patel. Deccan Chargers co-owner Ms Gayatri Reddy said: “We are proud to have a leading global brand like Emirates as our team sponsor for the next three seasons of the IPL. We are confident this association with Emirates will be fruitful.\"