ICC to guard against ambush marketing

Unlike before the World Cup in 2003, when a number of top Indian cricketers were considering missing the tournament due to the furore over ambush marketing, the International Cricket Council is keeping a close watch this time. The ICC confirmed that it would be ruthless in guarding against such activities during the staging of the Champions Trophy in England.

Malcolm Speed, the chief executive of the ICC, confirmed that the England and Wales Cricket Board would ensure that only companies that were partners of the ICC would be able to advertise in the three grounds that the matches will be played on. "It is the absolute intention of the ICC to stop organisations ambushing the Champions Trophy," Speed said. "We will ruthlessly ensure that this does not take place by guarding against products being taken into the ground with the intention of creating exposure or profile to the detriment of our global sponsors, LG, Pepsi, Hutch and Hero Honda.

"This is important from both a safety and security point of view," Speed said, "as well as in being able to protect the millions of pounds investment that sport's commercial partners make to allow these events to take place."

The 15 matches of the Champions Trophy, between September 10 and 25, will be staged across three venues: Edgbaston in Birmingham, Rose Bowl in Hampshire and The Oval in London.