Friends Provident, the FTSE100 life and pensions company, has been involved in cricket for over a decade.

As the sponsor of the Friends Provident Trophy, the Elite Player Development Programme and the England Under 19 men’s and women’s teams, Friends Provident is a firm supporter of cricket and the development of future England stars.

The Friends Provident Trophy is the only domestic competition that replicates the One Day International format. It is therefore a great platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent as well as being the perfect tournament for current England stars to gain more experience in one-day cricket. Every county will be striving to replicate Durham’s fantastic achievements in the showcase final at Lord’s.

Durham celebrate winning the 2007 Friends Provident Trophy

The Elite Professional Development Programme (EPDP, formerly England Age Group Cricket) is the ECB’s programme for youth cricket (U13-19) to develop the next generation of England talent. 90 players have progressed to represent England at full International level within two years of playing for the U19s. Supporting the EPDP ensures Friends Provident continues to invest in England’s future.

John Perera, Commercial Director, ECB, explained “The ECB and Friends Provident have built a very strong relationship in a relatively short space of time through their title sponsorship of the Friends Provident Trophy”.

“I am sure we will develop a similarly innovative approach to the partnership with the Elite Player Development Programme and we are delighted that Friends Provident have chosen to support the future development of our cricketers as well as one of our leading First Class competitions”.

This year Friends Provident has also become a Corporate Supporter of Chance to Shine, the Cricket Foundation’s campaign to regenerate competitive cricket in state schools. Friends Provident is also supporting the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA), which acts to safeguard the rights of present, past and future first class cricketers.

We’re overjoyed to be able to invest in our national summer sport. And just to add to the fun, we’re also sponsoring the Daily Telegraph Fantasy Cricket competition. Sign up now for a chance to win big prizes!

Friends Provident have teamed up with the Daily Telegraph