Soap contract lands Dhoni on slippery ground

India’s one-day cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni exploits on the cricket field may have brought him laurels including Khel Ratna, the country’s highest sporting honour. But, the distinguished cricketer is finding himself on slippery ground in Karnataka after allegedly dishonouring a contract he signed for endorsing a soap product.

The Karnataka High Court has asked Dhoni, who recently led India to a series victory in neighbouring Sri Lanka, to appear before it on September 11 in a case filed by state-owned Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited (KSDL).

KSDL had already served legal notice to Dhoni claiming damages worth Rs 4 million after the star cricketer violated his contractual obligations as ambassador for its brand of Mysore Sandal Soaps.

The High Court has asked Dhoni as well his endorsing company to appear in person or through an advocate or a representative on September 11 for hearing of the case filed by KSDL.

KSDL had roped in Dhoni to endorse the Mysore Sandal Soaps in January 2006 for a sum of Rs 8.5 million. Though the contract was for a period of two years, KSDL terminated the agreement in December 2007 after the cricketer reportedly played truant and sought damages worth Rs 4 million from him.

According to the contract, Dhoni was to give KSDL five days during each contract year, making it a total of ten days. But, Dhoni reportedly gave only three days time in the first year and did not make himself available subsequently.

KSDL officials said the company managed to produce a 60 second commercial advertisement during the three days he was available. The cricketer did not turn up for the remaining days, which had been slotted by the company for personal appearances at clinics, camps, trade shows, retail outlets and autograph sessions related to marketing of Mysore Sandal Soaps.
Out of the Rs 8.5 million deal, the company had already paid Rs 6.5 million at the time of signing the contract. The balance was to have been paid after completion of the dates given by Dhoni. Now, KSDL has moved the High Court seeking damages worth Rs 4 million from the star cricketer.