The deal, worth £2 million over three years, will run from 2007 until the end of the 2009 domestic season.
A change for 2007 is the introduction of Semi-Finals, which will take place at the end of June following the preliminary conference rounds. Lord’s will host the Final in August.
John Perera, ECB Commercial Director said:” We are delighted that Friends Provident wanted to sponsor the Trophy and extend their influence in cricket.
“Friends Provident has been a supporter of cricket through their partnership with the Test Match grounds for some time now and I am pleased that they have become a major domestic competition sponsor.”
The competition will be officially launched in April.
