Kia Motors has extended its support of the England women’s cricket team for a further two years ©Kia Motors

Kia Motors has extended its support of the England women’s cricket team for a further two years after the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced a renewal of its partnership with the South Korean car manufacturer.

The agreement will run from next month until May 2018 and comes after the company became the first-ever standalone sponsor of women’s cricket in the nation two years ago.

As part of the deal, all of England’s contracted players will be given a brand-new Sportage car and Kia are also set to increase the amount of investment in the game in the country, providing a boost to the development of women’s cricket.

Kia, founded in South Korea in 1944 and whose headquarters are in capital city Seoul, will be entitled to increased commercial and marketing rights for the women’s team.

“It is great news that that the partnership will continue for a further two years,” ECB director of England women’s Cricket Clare Connor said.

“Since signing the first ever standalone sponsorship for England women’s cricket in 2014, Kia’s partnership has supported the players’ new professional status, furthered the profile of the game, and proved the commercial credibility of women’s cricket and women’s sport.

“It is great news that that the partnership will continue for a further two years – exciting seasons that include the inaugural Kia Super League later this summer and the ICC Women’s World Cup on home soil in 2017.

“We are now looking forward to working with Kia during the One-Day International series and Twenty20 internationals against Pakistan in June and July, to help them to achieve maximum exposure for their brand and to draw more people towards the women’s game.”

England's women reached the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20 before losing to Australia
England's women reached the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20 before losing to Australia ©Getty Images

The news comes ahead of the launch of a six-team Women’s Super League later this year, with Kia the title sponsor of the brand-new competition.

It will feature six franchises based across England and is due to expand to include a 50-over tournament from 207.

“We are delighted to continue to partner with the England women’s cricket team,” Kia Motors UK chief executive Paul Philpott said.

“It is a real privilege for us to be as involved with the development of the women’s game as we are, and to share our real desire to surprise the cynics and change perceptions.

“We wish the team massive success in this summer’s internationals against Pakistan and we are looking forward to some great plans coming together between Kia and the ECB in the near future.”