WorldCall title sponsor for Pakistan v England Twenty20 Internationals at Dubai Sports City; Telecom company on board for final matches before Pakistan’s defence of ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean in April and May

Bank Alfalah named as presenting sponsor, repeating its role from the Pakistan – New Zealand series in November 2009

Telecommunications company WorldCall is the title sponsor for the Pakistan – England Twenty20 International (T20I) matches at Dubai Sports City on 19 and 20 February.

Bank Alfalah has also been confirmed as the presenting sponsor for the series, repeating its role from the One-Day International and T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in November 2009.

These agreements mean the series at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium will be known as the WorldCall T-20 Challenge presented by Bank Alfalah.

Pakistan is the current world champion in the shortest international form of the game after securing the ICC World Twenty20 title in England last June.

This month’s matches will be the two teams’ final outings in the Twenty20 format before the next ICC World Twenty20 tournament in the Caribbean in April and May so they assume vital importance in terms of preparation for that global event.

Both matches start at 1800 local time with gates opening at 1500.

Commenting on the announcement of commercial partners for the upcoming matches, Dubai Sports City President Khalid Al Zarooni said: “We are delighted that WorldCall and Bank Alfalah are sponsoring the Pakistan – England matches.

“To have such prestigious companies involved in this series reflects the quality of the teams that are coming to play at Dubai Sports City.

“Thanks to our telecast agreement with TEN Sports the matches will be seen throughout the region and around the world.

“We believe the WorldCall T-20 Challenge presented by Bank Alfalah will be a great showcase for Twenty20 International cricket and yet another excellent illustration of what an outstanding facility we have here at Dubai Sports City.”

The Chief Executive Officer of WorldCall – an Omantel company – Babar Ali Syed said: “WorldCall is proud to be the title sponsor of this vital Twenty20 International series, the last one for both sides before Pakistan defends its ICC World Twenty20 title in the West Indies in April and May. 

“With players determined to cement their places for that prestigious tournament it is certain the quality and intensity of the cricket will be high and that should ensure we are in for a great spectacle that will be enjoyed by fans at the stadium and followers all around the world.”

Tariq Mir of Bank Alfalah, said: “Bank Alfalah has a long history supporting cricket in the Middle East and Asia and we are delighted to be associated once again with action at Dubai Sports City through our presenting sponsorship of the Pakistan – England series. 

“As these matches are so close to the ICC World Twenty20 event in the Caribbean it means they have huge significance for both sides and that should ensure they will be hard-fought and entertaining.”