New Delhi, Mar 20 The DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) today announced Kingfisher Airlines as the official umpire partner for the Twenty20 series starting April 18.

The airline company will also sponsor third umpire decisions during the 59 games in the League.

The deal is worth Rs 106 crores for a five-year period. As per the agreement, Kingfisher Airlines will receive branding on the umpires' uniform.

"I am very pleased to have the country's premier 5 star airline Kingfisher join us as the Umpire Partner in an exclusive five-year deal," IPL Chairman and Commissioner Lalit Modi said.

The IPL will feature eight Franchises and will run for 44 days. Each Franchise will play others on a home and away basis with 7 matches at home.

The top 4 Franchises in the league will contest the semi finals and the victors will meet in the grand final all over one weekend to be played out in Mumbai. (Agencies)