IMG's sponsorship amount sought

Bombay-based Gayatri Arts on Friday sought a direction from the high court urging the Board of Control for Cricket in India to disclose the amount it received from International Management Group towards sponsorship of clothing, trophy title and logo for non-leading arm for the Indian cricket team.

In a rejoinder to an affidavit filed by the BCCI in response to its petition challenging the award of a three-year contract to IMG, Gayatri Arts claimed that the amount paid by IMG was lower than its own offer of Rs 900 million.

Gayatri Arts promoter Sham Dhumatkar alleged that the BCCI had not disclosed the amount it received from IMG despite such a direction from the high court. He contended that since the board had chosen to remain silent on this aspect it was apparent that IMG had not made the highest offer and hence the BCCI's actions were malafide and based on extraneous consideration.

On June 19, the BCCI had justified its decision to award the contract to IMG towards clothing sponsorship for international matches from July 1.

Opposing a notice of motion moved by Gayatri Arts in its suit challenging the award of the contract, the BCCI, in an affidavit, had claimed that the offer made by IMG included the logo for non-leading arm and trophy title as well.

The BCCI, in its affidavit filed by executive secretary Sharad Diwadkar said: "Not only was the offer of IMG higher, but it was also justifiable and necessary for the BCCI to take a decision that it will deal with one sponsor instead of three different sponsors."

Related reports:
Appeal of Gayatri Arts disposed of
HC refuses to grant injunction on BCCI contract

Mail Cricket Editor