MS Dhoni becomes brand ambassador for Dubai-based company

India's ODI cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has bagged his first endorsement deal outside the country, signing up to be the brand ambassador of Dubai-based hospitality and event management company Grand Midwest Group for three years.

"It is announced today that Dubai-based premium hospitality & event management company Grand Midwest Group has signed a three-year multi-million dollar deal with MS Dhoni as its official brand ambassador," a press release stated.

Established by UAE businessman, Zafar Shah Khan, the Grand Midwest Group owns hotel properties in Dubai, UK and Ireland. The company also has interests in the entertainment business in India and currently owns a local cricket team in the UAE.

The group's event management arm - GM Sports - was recently in the news for announcing the launch of a Twenty20 international cricket tournament called the Masters Champions League (MCL), which is scheduled to be played starting end of January next year.

"This is my first endorsement deal outside India and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Grand Midwest Group for welcoming me to the UAE. It's a company and a brand that resonates well with me and I look forward to working with them," said Dhoni.

"Grand Midwest Group is immensely proud to associate with one of the world's most iconic cricket stars, MS Dhoni. What he has achieved is so impressive and we could not wish for a better sportsman to represent our brand," added Shah.