Vodafone end England deal

Vodafone have announced they will not renew their current deal with the England cricket team when it expires in 2010.

Sponsor to end 12-year association

Vodafone have announced that they will not renew their current sponsorship deal with the England cricket team when it expires in January 2010. Vodafone have been the official sponsors of the national side for 12 years, but they have decided to end their relationship following a 'strategic review'. The deal will come to an end after England's tour to South Africa and John Perera, the ECB's commercial director, said: "ECB and Vodafone have enjoyed some notable achievements, both on and off the pitch during this long and successful relationship. "We fully respect their decision and look forward to working with Vodafone over the next twelve months, in what promises to be the start of another exciting and momentous chapter for the England cricket team. "This however provides a wonderful opportunity for a new partner to come in to English cricket." Despite the announcement Vodafone has said they remain committed to England for the remaining 13 months of the deal. Vodafone's Ian Shepherd added: "As part of an ongoing strategic review of our sponsorship portfolio, we have decided not to renew this sponsorship agreement. "We remain fully committed to the successful conclusion of the sponsorship at the end of the winter tour of South Africa and we look forward to an exciting summer ahead with the Ashes."