Standard Bank is continuing its sponsorship of the Isle Of Man Cricket Association (IOMCA), now entering its 15th consecutive year. 

Additionally, it is also launching the ‘Standard Bank Player of the Month’ award which will start in May 2010.

Judged by Chris Till, Director at Standard Bank, along with representatives from the IOMCA, the prize will be awarded once a month to the player from any one of the thirteen Island clubs that has made an outstanding contributionin a game or displayed a consistently high level of performance throughout the period.

James Stokoe, Senior Manager, Institutional Banking at Standard Bank, said, "We have launched the ‘Standard Bank Player of the Month’ prize to help profile cricket on the Island as local standards continue to improve.

"We are delighted to once again be headline sponsor of the Standard Bank Premiership Championship, the Standard Bank Twenty/20 Leagues, the Standard Bank Knockout Challenge, the Standard Bank Blincoe Cup and the Standard Bank six-a-sides.

"Cricket is a great sport which demands the best of its players both as individuals and as part of a team, an ethos that is shared by Standard Bank.

"We look forward to an exciting and competitive season ahead and hope for kind weather.”

Barry Smith, Chairman of the IOMCA said, "We are extremely grateful for Standard Bank’s continued support and welcome its encouragement of individual players through the player of the month award.

"Its sponsorship of the domestic leagues is vital for the growth and development of the game on the Island and boosts our endeavours as we strive to achieve ICC Associate status."

At an international level, Standard Bank is a long term supporter of cricket.  In South Africa, the bank is the main sponsor of the South Africa 'Proteas' ODI team and the International Pro20 team.  It is also involved in a number of other key cricketing initiatives, including School Pro20 Challenge in South Africa.