|
NEW
DELHI: The Subroto Roy-promoted Sahara India group is still
hopeful that a compromise formula may be worked out wherein
it continues to remain the sponsor for the Indian cricket
team. The ICC has objected to Sahara remaining as the team
sponsor on the ground that the interest of one of the global
sponsors of the up and coming Champions Trophy, South African
Airways, may clash with that of Sahara.
"Are we really out? May be not. Options are being looked
into," Abhijeet Sarkar, the Lucknow-based communications
head of Sahara India group, told indiantelevision.com today
over the phone.
When asked to specify the nature of the options, Sarkar
refused to divulge any details, saying, "Wait for some more
days. If you are in such a hurry then get in touch with
the BCCI (Board of Cricket Control in India) and Jagmohan
Dalmiya (BCCI chief)."
However, sources in Sahara indicated that though Sahara
is more known for its business activities in the airlines
sector - Sahara Airlines is one of India's private domestic
carriers - the group has diversified business interests
ranging from real estate, to financing to media and the
cricket team sponsorship deal may be shifted to another
group company where the interests will not clash with those
of the global partners of ICC.
Asked how hopeful the company was to adorn the cricket gear
of the Indian cricketers, Sarkar maintained that he was
"optimistic" and the issue would be resolved over the next
few days to everybody's satisfaction.
When queried whether Sahara has taken note of the latest
ad campaign of Samsung, featuring seven cricketers, where
the commercial mentions `Team Samsung', Sarkar dismissed
it as a non-issue.
"The (Samsung) ad cannot overshadow the mileage that Sahara
has got after the stupendous outcome of the NatWest series
and that of the series being played in England. We are always
there to support the country and the team," Sarkar added.
Sahara India has signed a 10-year deal with the BCCI to
be the team sponsor for the Indian team after pipping a
few like a Tata company to the post.
The Indian team in the past has been sponsored by the likes
of Wills which had to opt out midway because of the company's
primary business activity in the field of tobacco, a product
which is being increasingly shunned by sports authorities
the world over where sponsorships are concerned. Australia,
for instance, has a law that no tobacco company can sponsor
a cricketer or a cricket match or a team and this rule applies
to visiting cricket teams also.
To recap, the ICC executive board held meetings over two
days in Dubai and announced the following decisions yesterday
in an official release:
1. BCCI-Sahara proposal rejected: The BCCI proposal
for Sahara to sponsor the Indian team. After hearing submissions
from both the BCCI and from the ICC's commercial partner,
Global Cricket Corporation (now a News Corp company), it
said in its official statement on the issue: "However, it
is also recognised the Sahara is a large conglomerate with
interests in a wide range of businesses. It may be the BCCI
and Sahara wish to provide an alternate proposal to the
ICC that does not have the same potential for conflict.
"The merits and impact of any such proposal would be considered
should it be received."
This opens the door for some other Sahara group company
being used in team sponsorship ads.
2. BCCI provided with more time to negotiate with Indian
players: The ICC agreed to a request from the BCCI for
more time in which to reach an agreement with its players.
As things stand, 11 of the 12 Boards (India is the only
exception) have indicated that an agreement had been reached
or was imminent with their players.
3. Full Members agree to consultation process: The
10 ICC full member countries have agreed to a consultation
process with players or their representatives concerning
new ICC events outside the current agreement for ICC Champions
Trophy and ICC Cricket World Cups up until 2007 as sought
by some countries. The agreement clears the way for some
Boards, including the Australian Cricket Board and the England
and Wales Cricket Board to complete their agreements with
their players.
Click here
for more headlines
|
