Sponsorship row threatens Stanford

Organisers of the Stanford Super Series have played down suggestions the multi-million dollar event could be under threat because of a sponsorship row.

Telecoms company Digicel, who are the official sponsors of the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), claim they have branding rights for the match between a Stanford Super Stars XI and England on November 1. However the organisers disagree, and weeks of talks between the parties reached a stalemate at the weekend when Digicel rejected a compromise plan put forward by Stanford 20/20.

Digicel released a statement claiming the organisers refused to enter into further negotiations but Stanford 202/20 have hit back saying: "Whilst Stanford 20/20 is frustrated by Digicel's behaviour, it is nothing more than an unwelcome distraction and Stanford 20/20 will not be derailed from moving ahead with preparations for a successful Stanford Super Series."

The sticking point of the issue is whether Digicel, who extended their sponsorship deal with the WICB until 2012 in July, should have branding rights for the game.

The match has been officially recognised by the WICB - a necessary step in order to earn the backing of the International Cricket Council (ICC) - and Digicel insist their sponsorship deal should therefore come into effect.

The Stanford organisers disagree, saying that because their side is not an official West Indies team, Digicel's agreement does not apply.

The matter has already gone before the High Court in London, where Digicel last month won an injunction against the Stanford organisers to hold the event.

With that in mind both parties have stated their preference to find a resolution to the matter to ensure the game goes ahead.