Aspall has been announced as the official cider partner of the ICC Champions Trophy ©Getty Images

Aspall has been announced as the official cider partner of the 2017 International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy.

The cider manufacturer's products will be available at the three tournament venues during the competition, as well as the tournament fan park in Birmingham.

"On behalf of the ICC, I welcome Aspall as an official cider partner for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017," said Campbell Jamieson, the ICC's commercial general manager.

"Aspall is a premium brand in the United Kingdom and its decision to partner with the ICC indicates the popularity of 50-over cricket and also reflects how attractive major global events such as the ICC Champions Trophy are to brands.

"Having the ICC Champions Trophy at three iconic locations and involving the top eight-ranked teams together for a short, sharp and prestigious event is really creating a buzz around this year's tournament and this combined with the significant number of fans attending the tournament is attracting sponsors such as Aspall."

Aspall have been in the cider-making business since 1728, but the agreement marks the first time it has partnered with cricket.

The eight nation event will take place between June 1 and 18.

Hosts England will clash with Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh in Group A.

India, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka will contest Group B.

The top two from each group will reach the semi-finals, with the winners of the 50-over event pocketing $2.2 million (£1.7 million/€2 million) in prize money.

South Africa are one of eight teams set to contest the event ©Getty Images
South Africa are one of eight teams set to contest the event ©Getty Images

Guinness Golden Ale, from Open Gate Brewery, were announced as the official ale of the tournament last week, while Pimm's will be the official spirit.

Indian beer Kingfisher was announced as the tournament's official lager earlier this month.

"All of us here at Aspall are thrilled to be a new partner of this prestigious event," said Des Smith, Aspall chief executive.

"The ICC attracts the best teams and cricketers in the world.

"The ICC has a fantastic reputation and high standards and values that we feel align so well with Aspall and what we also stand for. 

"We are really looking forward to this partnership."

The Oval in London will stage the opening match between England and Bangladesh on June 1, as well as the final.

Sophia Gardens in Cardiff will host four matches and Edgbaston in Birmingham will stage five.