IPL has become the 2nd biggest sports league in the world in terms of media rights and the globe’s biggest cricket tournament. When the cash-studded league got formulated in 2008, it had a few doubters, but several Bollywood figures saw a great business in it and started associating with the franchises.
Shahrukh Khan bought KKR, Preity Zinta associated with Punjab Kings, while Shilpa Shetty put her money in Rajasthan Royals. Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals (then Daredevils) also did something new as they roped in Akshay Kumar for a three-year deal in 2009, where the Hera Pheri fame star would shoot promotional films, attend meet and greet events and make appearances at corporate events to enhance DD’s brand image.
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In the latest events, former DD Chief Operating Officer Amrit Mathur, in his latest book, ”Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket‘ revealed how once Akshay Kumar’s sacrifice saved Delhi from deep financial issues in 2009.
Mathur revealed that following the deal with Akshay, things went downhill as DD did not know how to leverage him, and after the season, when they looked at their expenses, there were serious financial losses.
“Akshay’s contract had no exit, and it was a big contract. The last option for us was to appeal for mercy, and I decided to meet him. I went to his vanity and hesitantly told him, ‘Sir, we are suffering financially’, and he, in a sympathetic voice, said, ‘No problem ji. If it’s not working, let’s close it.Isko khatam kar dete hain (let us end this). I asked him about the contract clauses, and he replied, ”Koi baat nahin, main lawyer ko bol dunga (No problem, I will tell the lawyer’).
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