Mallya's Kingfisher to be lager partner at Champions Trophy

Industrialist swings a 'cheap' deal with ICC for tournament to be played in UK

Even as he is due to appear at a magistrates' court in London for a preliminary hearing on the Indian government's application to extradite him, Vijay Mallya has struck a clever deal with the International Cricket Council (ICC). His company will pay a modest sum in lieu of a wider outreach for his Kingfisher beer in the British market.

According to an ICC official, the upfront payment "could be less than six-figures (in dollars)".

In exchange, Kingfisher will be the official lager partner for the Champions Trophy cricket tournament next month, hosted by England and Wales. The tournament -- in which