ECB starts new season with Specsavers appointment

Specsavers has become the official optometry and hearing partner of the England and Wales Cricket Board and the principal partner of the Association of Cricket Officials under a three-year deal.

The UK opticians chain will benefit from branding on clothing worn by umpires officiating in English county cricket’s three major competitions – the County Championship, T20 Blast and One-Day Cup.

Additionally, the partnership includes brand exposure on clothing worn by ACO-appointed umpires in the latter stages of the National Club Championship, Club T20 matches and ECB County Age Group competitions – all contested below first-class county level. Specsavers will also support awards schemes to recognise high-achieving umpires.

The 2014 County Championship season got under way on Sunday.

Specsavers has an established presence as a sponsor of officials in major UK sports. It 2012 it signed a three-year extension to its decade-long association with the Scottish Football Association and teamed up with the Super League, Championship and Challenge Cup rugby league tournaments in a multi-year deal on the eve of the current season.