Rajasthan Royals announce strategic partnership with Nashua Cape Cobras

Following the announcement of the Indian Premier League being held in South Africa, the reigning IPL champions Rajasthan Royals have agreed a strategic partnership with the Nashua Cape Cobras and Western Province Cricket association, owners of Sahara Park Newlands. This will involve the Rajasthan Royals being hosted at Sahara Park Newlands, as part of their pre-IPL tournament preparation for the 2009 IPL season. Both teams have also agreed to work together on future joint cricketing and sponsorship opportunities to further sporting links between India and South Africa.

The teams will also be participating in an exciting two match 20-20 “Clash of the Champions” tournament on Saturday April 11th and Sunday April 12th, pitting the reigning IPL Champions against the reigning South African Standard Bank Pro 20 Champions. This is the first such tournament between 20/20 champions from South Africa and India ever to be held. It will be a great curtain raiser for the IPL which beings on April 18th.

In addition to the “Clash of the champions” tournament this partnership will also see the two teams embarking on player exchanges to develop young talent and collaboration of the management teams to share best practices.

Manoj Badale, Chairman and co-owner of Rajasthan Royals, commented, “We are delighted to be working with the Nashua Cape Cobras at Sahara Park Newlands during our IPL tournament preparation. It's a great venue, and the “Clash of the Champions” over the Easter weekend will be an exciting contest. It is the first time the Royals have played since winning the IPL Tournament and it will be great to see the team back in action.”

Andre Odendaal, CEO of Cape Cobras, commented, “We have been talking with the Royals extensively since their exciting victory in the inaugural IPL.” We are thrilled to be hosting the Royals at home and the start of what we hope will be a long standing partnership.”

Graeme Smith, Rajasthan Royals Crown Prince, added, “I can't wait to see the Royals in action at Sahara Park Newlands. It is great that the IPL is coming to South Africa, and the “Clash of the Champions” between the IPL Champions and the South African Standard Bank Pro 20 Champions is a great curtain raiser for the IPL 2009 season and an event not to be missed.”

Mr Mohamed Ebrahim President of the Western Province Cricket Association said that this initiative is another benefit flowing from the efficiency of Cricket South Africa to attract top teams to South Africa.