The deal, between ICN subsidiary Play-Sport New Media Ltd (PSNM) and the ECB, replaces the minimum three-year agreement signed by the ECB in 2000, to develop, operate and maintain the ECB Cricket Network internet portal for recreational cricket.
In return the ECB promotes and endorses the Network.
Now fully developed, under the new agreement the software for the ECB Cricket Network transfers to the ECB, and the ECB take on responsibility for maintaining and operating the ECB Cricket Network.
PSNM will provide limited consultancy advice to the ECB until June 2006 during which time the £675,000 will be paid.
The ICN board said the new agreement was a 'a sensible move given the
uncertainty over sponsorship revenues in the sector'.
Said Terry Blake, the ECB's commercial director: "We are delighted to be acquiring the ownership rights of the Play-Cricket.com site. Play-Cricket.com is proving to be a tremendously valuable resource for many recreational cricket clubs, and the ECB is fully committed to developing the site and its business potential."
