BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

STANFORD Twenty20 yester-day confirmed the lucrative US$20 million 'Twenty20 for 20' match will go ahead as planned on November 1 after a compromise was reached with mobile phone giants Digicel.

Earlier media reports said Sir Allen Stanford, who bankrolls Stanford Twenty20, and Digicel's head Denis O'Brien, reached a compromise during a transatlantic telephone call.

"I am pleased with both parties' solution-oriented approach and, most importantly, that this matter has been finally resolved," Sir Allen said yesterday. "We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to the Stanford Cricket Ground to enjoy a fantastic week of cricket."

Cricket interest

In a release, Digicel, the principal sponsors of West Indies cricket, said it was also pleased with the agreement reached.

"Digicel has at all times supported the Stanford initiative, and from the outset sought a negotiated com-promise with the relevant parties," the mobile providers said. " Following the ruling made by the arbitrator that the WICB had breached its sponsorship agreement with Digicel, Digicel immediately commenced negotiations with Stanford Cricket.

"In successfully concluding its negotiations with Stanford Cricket today, Digicel has sought to keep the best interests of cricket in the West Indies at the forefront."

The match, set to be contested between the Stanford Superstars and England, was thrown into doubt after Digicel's case against the WICB was upheld in the London High Court this week.

Contending its commercial rights would be infringed if the match went ahead, Digicel filed an injunction in August, putting the match in limbo.

Branding rights

A release from Stanford Twenty20 yesterday gave no details of the agreement reached, but CMC Sports understands that Digicel's demands have been met regarding clothing branding for the tour-nament.

While not giving details either, Digicel hinted that it had secured these branding rights for the next three years.