July 13, 2012
In a development which will affect the Indian Premier League's brand value, there have been reports of players facing payment problems from a couple of teams.
July 13, 2012
In a development which will affect the Indian Premier League's brand value, there have been reports of players facing payment problems from a couple of teams.
Amidst of financial crisis and totally in debts Kingfisher Airlines Mr Vijay Mallya lands into trouble yet again. This time linked to cricket. Royal Challengers Bangalore is owned by Mallya through UB Sports Pvt Ltd, a group subsidiary.
It is learned that some of the RCB players including Daniel Vettori and Andrew McDonald were not paid their fee for playing for the last IPL season. The RCB players including the staff expressed their concern to the franchise and were not happy with the management.
"Nobody has come back to us, to let us know what is going on. The people, at the moment, are in the dark and not even trying to get the situation in control" says a victim. Most of the affected players include those from India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. According the agreement the players have to get 15% in advance 50% while the tournament is going on 20% after the CL T20 and remaining at the end of the year.
Three months since the IPL players were supposed to be paid the first installment of their participation fees, some of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) players are still awaiting the payment.
According to the tri-partite IPL contract, signed between the player, the franchise and the IPL, the players are supposed to receive 15 per cent of their fees by April 1, 50 per cent by May 1, 20 per cent after the Champions League T20 and the remaining 15 per cent by December 1. The team is owned by Vijay Mallya, who's group also owns Kingfisher Airlines which has been facing a financially difficult period.
Players unhappy
The RCB players are reportedly unhappy with the franchise owners for keeping them in the dark over the non-payment of fees. The players have also gone ahead and written a letter to the head coach of the team, Ray Jennings.
The shocked players have demanded more clarity on the situation from the franchise. But, they have maintained that they would understand the problems faced by the owners, if they are briefed about the same.
Meanwhile, it was also learnt that some of the players from Deccan Chargers were also facing a similar situation. "Yes, there are some issues with regards to our payment, but we have been assured that they will be sorted out within a week," said a senior DC player, requesting anonymity.
The DC and RCB management didn't respond when contacted by HT. The IPL chairman Rajeev Shukla was unavailable for comment despite repeated attempts. And when the other members of the IPL Governing Council were approached, they said they didn't have the authority to comment about the issue.
The Bangladesh Premier League, held in February 2012, is also facing payment issues.
Courtesy: HT
