RUSH hour travellers at Glasgow's Queen Street station were a little stumped as to what was going on as First ScotRail announced its latest year long sponsorship deal – Cricket Scotland.

During 2008, First ScotRail will be the official public transport provider for the squad and to mark the launch, Scotland’s cricket captain, Ryan Watson, teamed up with John Blain and First ScotRail’s finance director and cricket enthusiast, Kenny McPhail to swap a wicket for a ticket – and a cap for a cap.

The sponsorship is the latest in a considerable sporting line up for First ScotRail and follows the success of such partnerships as Nigel Brockton, speed skier and the hammer thrower, Chris Bennett - not forgetting FirstGroup’s role as a major supporter of the 'Back the Bid' campaign for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Over the year, Cricket Scotland's national squad players will benefit from the provision of travel passes enabling them to attend training sessions across Scotland. In addition, there will be opportunities for customers and cricket fans to win tickets to matches as well as signed shirts, autographs and more.

Kenny McPhail said of the sponsorship: "As a fan of the sport, I’m thrilled at this sponsorship and I’m really looking forward to seeing the team play this season."

Theresa Gault, Sponsorship and Events Manager at First ScotRail said: "This is a great opportunity and we are delighted to be involved with Cricket Scotland. In supporting the national teams through the provision of travel passes, we are doing our bit to help them towards a successful season as well as highlighting our ongoing support of sport in Scotland. As a cricket fan myself, I can safely say that this maiden is definitely not out!"

Roddy Smith of Cricket Scotland said: "We are delighted to be in partnership with First ScotRail. Our senior, junior and female national players travel all over Scotland throughout the season to train and to play so this new relationship with First Scotrail will definitely make this much easier. With major games in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Ayr this year there will also be plenty of opportunities for our supporters to benefit from First ScotRail’s services."