Interloop, one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of socks in the world, has joined hands with Pakistan Cricket Board to sponsor Faisalabad Region Team and Academy. The sponsorship is valued at Rs 12 million over a three-year period.
Chairman PCB stated at a press briefing on September 26, 2005 that he hoped that the step taken by Interloop would be followed by other organizations in sponsoring the 12 other first-class cricket teams.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Musadaq Zulqarnain, Managing Director Interloop, gave all the credit to Chairman PCB for taking scientific steps for the development of regional cricket. He also expounded on why his company decided to venture into sponsoring cricket. "We face no competition in Pakistan but in our executive meeting we decided to give what we have earned in the name of our country and found sports as the most appropriate game to sponsor," he said.
Mr Usman Lone, ABN AMRO Vice-President Consumer Banking, welcomed Interloop and vowed full support to the company. "We are pleased to work with the PCB and welcome Interloop in cricket and wish to make cricket development at regional level a dream come true," he said.
The Faisalabad Region has performed quite well in local and international cricket during the past year. Faisalabad Wolves won the ABN-AMRO Twenty-20 Cup earlier this year in Pakistan and also triumphed recently in the inaugural International 20:20 Club Championship comprising 20-over cricket champions from England, South Africa and Sri Lanka. The Faisalabad Region team also finished runners-up in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2004-2005.
