Oxfordshire cricket has received a major boost, with the announcement of a major sponsorship deal.

KFP Total IT Solutions have agreed “a substantial five-figure, three-year sponsorship deal” to support the formation of the Oxfordshire Cricket Board’s (OCB) new academy side this summer.

“The deal will allow OCB to produce a structured coaching and match programme for the county’s second string of players for the first time,” said the OCB’s head of cricket Rupert Evans.

“The Academy side will give a clear pathway to some of the best young cricketers emerging from Oxfordshire’s county age group structure.”

KFP director John Moss, was delighted to offer his backing for at least the next three years to the new Academy side which will effectively replace the Development XI.

He said: “Like the OCB, we have the drive and passion in business, and hope we can drive this passion across to this newly-formed side.”

Moss, who is also chairman of Kidlington Cricket Club, said he had no hesitation in offering his backing “to try and encourage the next generation of young cricketers to aspire to the highest level possible’’.