More gold from the Indians

Punter has already started losing out some of his India contracts -

http://www.cricketnext.com/news/indian-channel-scraps-deal-with-ponting/28854-13.html



It seems the Australian players have finally started realising the fall-out of their stubborn and blind insistence to get Harbhajan Singh booked on a serious charge of racism.

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting is the first to bear the brunt of the Indian angst. His contract with a leading Indian English television news channel has been cancelled after the controversial Sydney Test match.

According to well placed sources, the sponsor of Ponting's exclusive tie-up with the channel — Royal Stag — pulled out leading to the deal being scrapped. As a result, Ponting will no longer be doing his exclusive one-on-one before and after every Test match in the series with the news channel.

http://www.cricketnext.com/news/ponting--co-feel-heet-as-brand-value-dips/28836-13.html

In recent times, controversy in any form has always helped fetch a bit of added publicity, and a hike in the brand value. But the Sydney saga, with all its complications might just prove to be the exact opposite for Ricky Ponting and his men.

Sponsors commitments force cricketers to do all sorts of things, but this was bordering on the bizarre. Ponting, the brand ambassador of ING Vysya didn't expect this — a kiss from a man in Bangalore ahead of the ODI series in 2007. But now, the chances of Ponting coming over to endorse brands look minimal. The Sydney row has not hurt the Aussie team pride, but it will definitely hurt their pockets.

"I think this particular incident which actually originated from the captain in the behaviour of the entire team thereon has entirely damaged the possibilities of them making money from endorsements from across the world. In India at least, Australian cricketers certainly don't have potential to make money in the next couple of years for sure," says Shailendra Singh, Chairman of Percept Holdings.

Not just Ponting, but even Michael Clarke is sure to feel the heat. The companies that have signed long-term deals with him are wary of the backlash from the bitter Indian fans. If burning effigies and posts on the blogosphere are an indication, then no brand will want to associate itself with someone who is perceived as arrogant.

"Current circumstances are extremely dodgily poised. A couple of clients were keen, but it's going to put everything on hold and cause national sentiments are way above every other current issue," Shailendra Singh adds.

Media planners say that this isolation will continue for sometime. No company would like to sign contracts in the present circumstances. There is even a possibility that the boycott continues even when Australia tour India later this year.

That'll teach'm. Wonder which of 'Har-de-har-har' or 'Nair-nairny-nair-nair' they used when they told him and did they blow a raspberry at him.

" a leading Indian English news channel "

Oh stop it, boo hoo.

furriner wrote:Would you expect any international player to ultimately give a flying fark about sponsorships if the chips are really down, Batman? I would hate it if an Indian cricketer does it; why should the Aussie players be any different?

furry, I may be wrong, but weren't individual player sponsorships the root cause of a major row between players and the BCCI a few years back?

Zat wrote:

furriner wrote:Would you expect any international player to ultimately give a flying fark about sponsorships if the chips are really down, Batman? I would hate it if an Indian cricketer does it; why should the Aussie players be any different?

furry, I may be wrong, but weren't individual player sponsorships the root cause of a major row between players and the BCCI a few years back?

Yes. Different situation though. That was, IIRC, basically the BCCI typing up with one sponsor while a player had a competing sponsor. Kind of BCCI plumps for Coke/player goes for Pepsi sort of thing. I dont know what the exact issues were (probably TO or SG may recall) but do not remember feeling much sympathy for the BCCI. But then, I don't remember feeling sympathy for the BCCI at any point since I have followed the game.

But it does suggest that some players might be willing to put themselves ahead of the greater good. Not naming names, just making the point.

From what I recall, the greater good in this case was the greater good of the BCCI, most certainly not India. So, IMO, it's not an issue.

I certainly do not have any doubt that Indian players will always put country before self. There are precedents; Tendulkar was playing a test abroad when his father died. He continued with the Test. This was from an Indian perspective an amazing sacrifice.

Fair enough furry. I'll be honest, I don't think I'd be terribly willing to do much for the BCCI either.

Zat wrote:Fair enough furry. I'll be honest, I don't think I'd be terribly willing to do much for the BCCI either.

You could volunteer to kick Pawar in the ar$e when/ if he comes to Australia. Finish the job Martyn started, so to speak.

A billion Indians, minus Pawar and perhaps his family, will thank you.

So why did all the Indians find Marto's little push so insulting last time?

Unfortunately , I think that fat prick is arriving in Perth. Maybe Zimi could be persuaded to join a welcoming party at the airport.

tac wrote:So why did all the Indians find Marto's little push so insulting last time?

Bah. First, not all.

Second, the concept of 'face' as you will understand it from you experience of Japanese society. What would they have felt, if the same thing had happened to one of their own?

Third, media hysteria.

Fourth, Pawar is a politico and now (as then) heads the BCCI. Which means everyone in India hates his guts. However, he was somewhat blameless in that episode.

Fifth, I'm slowly getting trashed so will answer in detail later. Unless Bucks takes over.

Zat wrote:Unfortunately , I think that fat prick is arriving in Perth. Maybe Zimi could be persuaded to join a welcoming party at the airport.

Zim and Pawar. I'd pay to see that.

Unless Bucks takes over.

Bucks is busy at the moment, he's trying his latest dating technique.

I'm in the mood to spread some luve today.

Farkin L, do you get an email anytime someone mentions you? Or do you really have no life?

Stay away from me .. yesterday you wanted me dead.

What makes you think today's any different from yesterday?

Obviously the aussies don't have a God ... so no one listens to their death wishes.

There's no such thing as God. Read the Dawkins book.

God is the leader of an extra-terrestrial race. But I don't think he interferes in Earth affairs directly.

A pretty hands-off kind of guy. He planted some biological transmitters in humans so we keep channeling to him. Keeps him updated etc

But sadly he doesn't care much for aussies. And that's what makes them so insecure.

Perhaps Indians need to have a long look at themselves if they really believe this.
"In India, we do not have children without getting married. It is a taboo and it is not accepted in the society. A child born out of wedlock is considered to be very low and an outcast.
http://www.theage.com.au/news/cricket/tourists-vow-to-act-on-any-verbal-abuse/2008/01/07/1199554570963.html

It is how they were viewed this country a long time ago,but we have moved on.I can't believe an innocent child is treated that way in a country that spouts off about being the fairest minded in the world.Do they believe in abortion in India?I am horrified.

Horrified noelene, horrified!