London, Aug 20 (IANS): The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is likely to sign and four-year deal worth 20 million pounds with asset management banking company Investec to replace Npower as sponsors of Test cricket in this country.
The Daily Telegraph reported that a formal announcement will not be made until after the current Test at the Kia Oval, which will be the last of Npower's 10-year association with English cricket.
The four-year deal with Investec will cover two Ashes contests in 2013 and 2015, as well as series against South Africa and India.
"It is an important deal for the ECB and second only in profile and value to their broadcast contract with Sky," the daily reported.
Npower had moved to other sports and recently lent its name to the Football League, and the company was concerned about what kind of profile cricket would have during the London Olympics next year.