Bollywood Star Akshay Kumar's Heroic Act to Save IPL Team
The long-standing connection between Bollywood and cricket has become even stronger with the advent of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Former Indian team manager Amrit Mathur has recently shared a captivating story that intertwines Bollywood and a cricketer, shedding light on a remarkable incident from 2009 involving actor Akshay Kumar. This incident showcases how the actor played a crucial role in rescuing an IPL team from financial turmoil, even as they faced significant losses.
Back in the second season of the IPL, Akshay Kumar associated himself with the Daredevils team, which is now known as Delhi Capitals. During that period, Amrit Mathur was the Chief COO of the Daredevils. Mathur reveals in his autobiography 'Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket' that despite Akshay Kumar's involvement, the Daredevils didn't witness substantial benefits. This led to a missed opportunity to strengthen their brand, resulting in financial setbacks and eventually parting ways with Akshay.
The Franchise's Three-Year Deal with Akshay:
Mathur's book outlines a three-year contract between the Daredevils and Akshay Kumar. Throughout this tenure, Akshay engaged in promotional shoots, meet-and-greet events, and corporate functions to enhance the franchise's visibility. However, these efforts didn't yield the expected results, and the franchise struggled to harness his star power. Consequently, financial losses prompted the franchise to consider renegotiating or canceling the contract.
The Negotiation Conundrum:
According to Mathur, "There was no legal way out of Akshay Kumar's contract." Attempts were made to reevaluate the contract through negotiations with his team, but those endeavors proved futile. "Given the financial implications and the immense costs, distancing from Akshay seemed like the only option. The franchise recognized that they wouldn't emerge victorious in a legal battle against Akshay Kumar. Faced with this reality, we humbly appealed for his understanding."
A Surprising Solution:
Mathur recounts, "Once his commitments were fulfilled, I went to his vanity van to meet him. I explained our predicament, choosing my words carefully. I highlighted the losses suffered by the franchise due to the failed strategy."
In response, Akshay Kumar astonishingly said, "No problem, if this isn't working, let's stop it." The simplicity of his words left me in disbelief. When I outlined the legal complexities, he calmly responded, "It's alright, I'll discuss this with my lawyer."
This episode serves as a testament to Akshay Kumar's understanding and willingness to prioritize the franchise's well-being over legal technicalities. His altruistic gesture helped the Daredevils navigate a challenging situation, reinforcing the unique bond that can exist between Bollywood and cricket in the dynamic landscape of Indian entertainment and sports.