The sleekly designed Allianz Cup features a cricket ball with India and Pakistan's national team colours - green, orange and blue, which is coincidentally the Allianz brand colour (blue). This is the prize that India and Pakistan will be vying for, which counts for a lot in these two passionate cricket nations. The fierce cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan will once again be put to the test, with both teams battling for the coveted trophy and Series champion title.

"Both Pakistan and India enjoy a rich and colourful cricket history with a legion of passionate and devoted fans. As part of our plans to build the Allianz brand in the Asian region, the Allianz Cup provides us a great way of reaching out to the masses in these two markets and beyond," said Steven Althaus, Head of Global Marketing Communication, Allianz.

Mr. Shaharyar Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board commented, "We are delighted to welcome this global leader in financial services as the title sponsor of the Test Series and we look forward to a long-standing and successful partnership with Allianz to continue to grow the region's passion and interest in this sport".

In addition to the title sponsorship rights for the Test Series, Allianz's new initiative - the Allianz Cup Signature Drive has received an overwhelming response. Millions of well-wishes for the Indian and Pakistan cricket teams have been collected by people of all walks of life in more than 500 cities throughout Pakistan and India. During the press conference the captains exchanged photo frames of their respective countries well-wishes as gesture of goodwill.

"The Allianz Cup Signature Drive was conceptualised with the intention of bringing together the well-wishes of both nations in a unified show of support for both the teams," said Steven Althaus. "We are delighted with the public's response and it certainly shows the unwavering level of support for cricket in both countries".

The Allianz Cup Signature Drive fabric will be unveiled on the morning of the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, Pakistan, and will be witnessed by millions of TV viewers and spectators at the Series.

Pakistan and India will play three five-day Tests, the first of which will be played from 13 January to 17 January in Lahore. The second Test will be from 21 January to 25 January in Faisalabad, and last Test will be contested in Karachi from 29 January to 2 February.

With the first Test a mere four days away, the city of Lahore is gearing itself up for a highly charged atmosphere given the level of passionate support cricket enjoys in both countries.

(Article: Copyright © 2006 Pakistan Cricket Board)