Emirates joins forces with one of the quickest forms of cricket, as a partner of the ICC World Twenty20 2007, which begins in South Africa on Tuesday, 11th September with the final being played on Monday, 24th September. Twenty20 is the newest form of cricket where each team bats for a maximum of only 20 overs a side, with each innings lasting for 75 minutes.

The ICC World Twenty20 2007 will be hosted at three venues, the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban and Cape Town’s Newlands Stadium. A total of 12 countries will be represented in the tournament, including the reigning ICC Cricket World Cup holders, Australia.

Boutros Boutros, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Media Relations, Sponsorships and Events, said: ‘Emirates has a great affinity with cricket and we are looking forward to our partnership with the ICC World Twenty20 2007 in South Africa. Sport sponsorship is a long-standing tradition for Emirates and like the diversity of Emirates’ destinations and multicultural crews, Emirates supports global events and teams across the globe.’

Emirates’ involvement in cricket also includes the sponsorship of the victorious Australian team at the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, the ICC Umpires and is the Official Airline to Cricket Australia.

ICC Chief Executive, Malcolm Speed, said: ‘We are very excited that Emirates will be supporting the inaugural ICC World Twenty20. Emirates has always been a great supporter of our sport and we look forward to working closely with them throughout this tournament to help our strong sport grow even stronger.’

South Africa has become a vital market for Emirates, an additional frequency was recently added on the Dubai - Johannesburg route. The third daily flight to the South African city operates every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Fouad Cauhyne, Emirates Regional Manager, Southern Africa, said: ‘World Cup sporting events such as the ICC World Twenty20 and FIFA 2010, are placing South Africa in the spotlight globally, creating a demand and an increase in travel to the rainbow nation.

‘The extra flights will introduce over 1700 seats and 66-plus tonnes of cargo capacity per week per direction, benefiting traders and businessmen in the UAE and South Africa; both primary trading and distribution hubs for their respective regions.’
——-