The Bermuda Cricket Board has announced a partnership with Athene Life Re as the title sponsor of the Twenty20 league this year.

The league will begin on August 7 with participation from 13 member clubs over a period of 12 weeks.

This will include a “Match of the Week” event, chosen by the BCB’s cricket committee which will be livestreamed, and hosted and promoted by the clubs in the effort to increase revenue and visibility in the community.

Cleveland County, Western Stars, Somerset, Warwick, Southampton Rangers, St George’s and Bailey’s Bay will make up the Premier Division, while Devonshire Rec, Willow Cuts, Flatts, St David’s, PHC and Somerset Bridge will compete in the First Division.

“We are excited to sponsor the 2022 T20 Men’s Cricket League,” said Natasha Scotland Courcy, general counsel and chief operations officer at Athene.

“We take immense pride in investing in our community and are enthusiastic about furthering our commitment by supporting the Bermuda Cricket Board, local athletes and this vibrant part of Bermuda’s culture.”

Steven Douglas, BCB Cricket Committee chairman, spoke of the benefits the partnership can have on the national team in their attempt to qualify for the T20 World Cup.

“On behalf of the Cricket Committee and members of the BCB, I would like to thank Athene for the opportunity for us to work together,” he said. “I hope this partnership will work for the betterment of both parties.

“The new BCB Athene T20 is the start of preparation for the Bermuda national team looking to qualify for the ICC T20 World Cup. There will be double-headers at three venues every weekend. Come out and support your teams.”

BCB president Arnold Manders also thanked Athene for its generous sponsorship.

“We are thrilled and looking forward to working with them,” he said. “For a charity organisation, this contribution is vital to the development of cricket and will lay the groundwork for our impending 2023 competitions.”