MRF announces association as Global Partner for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Posted by: MRF Tyres
Published: Wed, Dec 03, 2014
ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy unveiled, gets warm reception at a grand event in Chennai
Chennai, December 1, 2014: MRF Limited (MRF), India’s largest tire manufacturer and amongst the top 16 Largest Tire Manufacturers in the World along with The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Monday announced an exciting new partnership that makes MRF the global partner to the ICC CRICKET WORLD CUP (CWC) 2015 as one of the lead sponsors. The audience also got an exclusive glimpse of the prestigious ICC Cricket World Cup Trophy that was unveiled at the historic event.
With this association, MRF Limited further reaffirms their passion and commitment for the game of cricket not only in India, but across the world. As a global partner, MRF Limited will now have access to multiple branding opportunities at all game venues during the Cricket World Cup and at other promotional events held by the ICC across the world.This opportunity also supplements MRF’s vision to strengthen its global brand image.
Mr. K M Mammen, Chairman and Managing Director, MRF Limited said, “This is a historic moment for MRF and this association is a testimony to our commitment for Cricket and its spirit. It is a matter of pride to be associated with the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 which is the pinnacle of one day cricket. This event will be followed by millions of passionate fans not only in India but all over the world.”
Commenting on the new partnership, ICC Chairman, Mr.Narayanaswami Srinivasan, said: “The ICC is delighted to welcome MRF on board as a global partner for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, through which the brand will reach consumers across the world. MRF is an active promoter of sport and by deciding to be associated with the ICC in challenging economic times, it has shown its faith and support in the ICC as well as its pinnacle event”
“Through its ‘MRF Pace Foundation’ Academy, which has seen it work alongside some of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, MRF also shares the ICC’s commitment to continuous quality improvement. “We are excited to welcome another strong brand to our growing commercial portfolio and in welcoming MRF, we would like to thank them for their support.”
MRF already has a strong association with Cricket for over 27 years and has contributed monumentally to the development of the game in the subcontinent over the years through several path-breaking initiatives, including the MRF Pace Foundation.
“This is a strong tribute to our passion and ICC’s trust in our ability to take Cricket to the next level. We recognized the growing popularity of cricket amongst fans in key countries where MRF operates. Our premium products are all about delivering high performance and this association will further strengthen the relationship which we enjoy with all customers and key stakeholders across the world. We intend leveraging this partnership to bring further awareness of MRF as a global brand to millions of potential consumers and partners across the world,” said Mr Koshy Varghese, Executive Vice-President,Marketing at MRF Limited.
About MRF Limited
MRF Ltd. is India’s Market Leader in Automotive Tires in India for over 2 decades &is the only Indian Tire Company ranked amongst the Top 16 Global Tire Companies,with a turnover ofover Rs 14000 Crores ( USD 2.5 Billion Dollars). MRF is ranked amongst the Top 10 fastest growing companies in India.
MRF manufactures a wide range of tires from its 9 Manufacturing Plants & is represented across India by a wide network of Dealers and Service Offices. Internationally MRF exports to over 80 countries and has Offices in key markets.
MRF is the recipient of the J.D.Power Award for Customer Satisfaction for OE Tires for a record 11 times and has been the consecutive recipient for the last5 years. MRF has been conferred a special award ‘Recognizing Excellence in Customer Satisfaction’ by J.D. Power Asia Pacific in 2014.
MRF has won several awards and is ranked amongst the most admired companies in the Automotive Component categories by leading magazines and opinion polls.
MRF tires are approved for fitment on all leading Global OE Manufacturers in India for Cars, 2 Wheelers, Farm, and Commercial & Off-the-Road Vehicles.
In the Cars and 2-Wheelers segment, MRF is a brand leader in India with leading brands such as MRF Wanderer, MRF ZVTS, and MRF Z.L.O. & MRF Nylogrip, MRF Mogrip and MRF Zapper. MRF is the first and only manufacturer of Motorcycle Radials in India.
MRF makes a wide range of tires for an extensive range of applications - from tires for the Aircraft Sector to speciality tires for Mass Transportation Projects like the recently introduced Mumbai Mono Rail.
About MRF’s involvement in Cricket:
MRF’s association with the game of Cricket goes back many decades.
The MRF Pace Foundation, brain child of the late Mr. Ravi Mammen was started in the year 1987 with the famous Australian pace bowler, Mr. Dennis Lillee, as Director. The MRF Pace Foundation is an unique institution and its sole purpose is to select, nurture and scientifically develop the cricketing skills of youngsters from India.
Under the leadership and able guidance of Mr. K.M.Mammen, Chairman and Managing Director of MRF Limited, MRF Pace Foundation has also opened its door to other countries such as Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, England and West Indies.
Over the years, 16 players trained at MRF Pace Foundation have played for India and won laurels. Now after the retirement of Mr. Dennis Lillee, Glenn McGrath another legendary Australian Fast bowler has taken over the mantle and is continuing its commitment to the development of Pace bowlers in India.
In 1989, MRF sponsored a major international cricket tournament called ‘MRF World Series’ for the Jawaharlal Nehru Cup which still remains as one of the most spectacular events held in the country.
Over the years, Cricket Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Richard Hadlee, Brian Lara, Steve Waugh and Rohit Sharma have been MRF’s brand Ambassadors. Currently, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir and Sanju Samson are the MRF brand ambassadors.
About the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will start on 14 February with New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka in a day match in Christchurch, and Australia going head to head with England in a day/night match in Melbourne. Melbourne will also host the final on 29 March.
A total of 49 matches will be played across 14 venues, seven in New Zealand (Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Napier, Nelson and Wellington) and seven in Australia (Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney).
The format of the tournament is the same as the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, i.e. two groups of seven sides each, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. All the knock-out stage matches will have reserve days.
Apart from the 10 Full Members, four qualifiers – Afghanistan, Ireland, Scotland and the United Arab Emirates – will take part in the tournament.
