MUMBAI: Sports management group IOS Sports & Entertainment has signed Indian cricketer Suresh Raina for a period of three years.

Raina is the first cricketer that IOS has signed. As a part of this long-term association, IOS will manage Raina’s endorsements and brand associations, corporate profile, patents and digital rights, images, visibility on social networking sites and merchandise.

IOS Sports & Entertainment MD and CEO Neerav Tomar said, “I am really excited about signing the deal with country’s premier cricketer Suresh Raina. We were in touch with each other for a longtime and finally we have signed the deal. I am sure we will have a great partnership working together. Raina has been very consistent in all formats of the game and has the flexibility to adapt and play as the situation demands. Importantly from a sponsorship point of view Raina has all the credentials, is articulate, has the ability and is not over exposed.”

“We at IOS believe that Raina has all-round credentials that make him a valuable asset, given his excellent fielding skills. We already have our plans in place for managing Suresh Raina. Initially we will be doing his brand imagery. Also, we will be looking at brands that suits his image and fits his profile,” he added.

Raina said, “I was in touch with Neerav since the past few months and we had several rounds of dialogs. I have been observing his company doing very interesting work for Olympic sportspersons. I believe IOS had all the requisite credentials I needed. More importantly, they have a passionate and dedicated team who understand the space and offers the comfort that a sportsperson needs.”