Reliance Communications ties up with ICC for rankings

MUMBAI: Reliance Communications has tied up with the International Cricket Council for the next eight years as the title sponsors of the ICC's rankings.

"The rankings will be known as Reliance Mobile ICC Player, Test and ODI rankings," it was announced at the function in which the top two Test and ODI teams were declared and honoured by the International Cricket Council.

Ricky Ponting was present to receive the award for Australia, which emerged as the number one Test team and number two ODI squad, and the cash prize of USD 250,000 dollars combined from ICC CEO Malcolm Speed.

India, who ended up second behind Australia in the Test rankings, were represented by their coach Gary Kirsten as Test captain Anil Kumble could not make it because of personal reasons. He received a shield and USD 75,000.

Retired former South African captain Shaun Pollock, substituting for his successor Graeme Smith who has returned home, received the shield and USD 175,000 for the Proteas' number one ranking ahead of World Cup winners Australia in the ODI rankings.