The Hindu : National : Dhoni ‘slips’ on soap contract

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Dhoni ‘slips’ on soap contract

Staff Reporter

KSDL seeks Rs. 40 lakh compensation from its brand ambassador

The company had entered into a two-year contract with Dhoni
The contract was worth Rs. 86.03 lakh including the agency commission

BANGALORE: Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited astutely signed on Mahendra Singh Dhoni as brand ambassador two years ago for its Mysore Sandal Soap.

But the excitement may well be over. KSDL has sought a Rs. 40 lakh compensation from the cricketer for not honouring provisions in the contract.

KSDL Managing Director Anil Kumar said that roping in Dhoni had helped Mysore Sandal Soap gain ground in the north Indian market.

Babu Siddakumar, KSDL Executive Director, told The Hindu that Dhoni was to have given them five days each for the two contract years, which he failed to do.

“He has given us only three days out of the 10 required as per the contract. We had been asking for his dates for commercial shoots and marketing purposes,” he said.

Cancelled

The KSDL entered into the contract with the wicket-keeper batsman worth Rs. 86.03 lakh, including the agency commission. The contract, commencing on January 3, 2006, was to have ended on January 2, 2008, but was cancelled on December 20, 2007. It is learnt that Dhoni made himself available for two commercial shoots for the KSDL during his contract period.

Besides, he refused to extend the contract for another six months during which time the commercials could be aired.

Legal notice

A KSDL release said that the legal notice revoking and cancelling the agreement was issued on December 20, 2007. The KSDL has paid him and the agency Rs. 64.42 lakh. “We have been releasing quarterly payment to the cricketer as per the contract terms and conditions and we decided to cancel the contract when we did not get his dates,” Mr. Siddakumar said.

Arbitration

He said the KSDL now had to pay a balance amount of over Rs. 21 lakhs towards modelling charges and agency commission.

However, the matter had now been referred to arbitration for seeking compensation from the player.

The KSDL release said that under the contract, Dhoni should have made himself available for up to five days during each contract year in order to make personal appearances at clinics, camps, trade shows, retail outlets, autograph sessions and other related activities in connection with the marketing of KSDL products.

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