London, Aug 20: A decade-long association between England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Npower, is heading towards an end with the former reportedly close to signing a four-year contract with asset management banking company, Investec, as the new sponsors of Test cricket in the country.

However, any announcement in this regard will be made only after the ongoing Test between India and England at the Oval, the Daily Telegraph reported today.

The four-year deal with Investec will cover two Ashes contests in 2013 and 2015, as well as series against South Africa and India.

The deal is intended to be an important one for the ECB and is considered second only in profile and value to their broadcast contract with Sky.

Npower has recently ventured into other sports, lending its name to the Football League, and was reportedly concerned about crickets profile during during the London Olympics next year.

PTI