TBWA Hunt Lascaris and Inroads (Pty) Ltd have been named as chosen advertising agencies for the 2003 Cricket World Cup, it was announced on Thursday.

The World Cup, to be staged in Southern Africa during February and March of 2003, will bring 14 cricketing nations and tens of thousands of fans to South Africa. The merchandising and tourism spin-off will simultaneously create and sustain thousands of local jobs while global media exposure will raise the profile of South Africa and the continent of Africa like never before.

Dr Ali Bacher, Executive Director of Cricket World Cup 2003, said: "After publicly advertising this post and carrying out a rigorous tender process - adjudicated by an independent auditor - we are pleased to announce that TBWA Hunt Lascaris and Inroads (Pty) Ltd have been selected as the advertising agencies for this prestigious event.

"Key factors in the selection process were their knowledge of and passion for the game of cricket and their keen appreciation of the nation-building potential of an event such as this that focuses the eyes of the world on South Africa and what it has to offer.

"The World Cup as a catalyst for unity, development and employment opportunity is a crucial theme for us. We are satisfied the two successful parties are close to these issues, that they have complementary strengths and that they have the resources, experience and expertise to handle a major event of this nature."

© UCBSA