The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), yesterday confirmed that the 4-year sponsorship deal with S.M. Jaleel & Co., the bottlers of Busta soft drink, have come to end. This, after the Trinidad-based soft drink manufacturer did not renew its sponsorship agreement for the upcoming West Indies first-class championship.

Acting CEO of the WICB, Roger Brathwaite, indicated the agreement was greatly beneficial for both cricket and the sponsors. In commenting on the sponsorship agreement Brathwaite said: "Busta's commitment came at a critical point in West Indies cricket and they have made a significant and lasting impact."

Brathwaite also thanked S.M. Jaleel & Co. for their "support over last four years during which time the soft drink manufacturer contributed to the continued growth of West Indies cricket."

S.M. Jaleel & Co. took over sponsorship of the regional first-class championship in 1998, in a deal worth in excess of US $2 million. This, after the previous year's championship was played without any sponsorship, and was simply called the President's Cup.

The competition was previously sponsored by Shell Antilles & Guianas Ltd. for 22 years and then by Red Stripe Beer.

The WICB is currently in negotiations with new sponsors for the 2003 series. It is not yet clear if a new sponsorship agreement would be in place before the start of the 2003 domestic championship which is expected to start in January.

At least one international team is expected to compete in next year's competition, along with the West Indies 'B' team. Both England 'A' and Bangladesh 'A' have taken part in the West Indies domestic championship since 2001.

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