IPL: How Akshay Kumar Let Go Of Massive Sum To Save Delhi Capitals From Financial Troubles

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Former BCCI administrator Amrit Mathur reveals in his book how Akshay Kumar let go of a massive sum to save Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) from financial troubles. The Bollywood actor terminated his contract and gave up a huge portion of his earnings to help the IPL franchise.

Mathur explains that Akshay signed a three-year deal with Delhi Daredevils as their brand ambassador. However, due to financial difficulties, the franchise sought to renegotiate the terms of the agreement. Despite having legal rights for full compensation, Akshay chose to give up a significant amount in order to save the team.

In his book 'Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket', Mathur shares details about Akshay's selfless gesture. The actor was supposed to shoot promotional films and attend various events for the franchise but little was done to leverage his popularity. When DD wanted to cancel or renegotiate the contract, they faced difficulties as there were no exit clauses mentioned.

"Akshay signed a three-year deal with Delhi Daredevils to shoot promotional films, attend meet and greet events and make appearances at corporate events," wrote Mathur.

"Apart from Kotla act (he performed daring stunts), nothing much happened because DD didn't know how to leverage him. At the end of the season, during elaborate post-mortem held against backdrop of serious financial losses, DD decided to cancel or renegotiate the contract," he added.

"Akshay's contract provided no exit; on the contrary, it gave him solid guarantees for a period of three years. DD's lawyers approached Akshay's staff, wanting to revisit the contract, but they made no headway. The (legally correct) response from his side was that (the) contract didn't factor in early termination, and it has run its course with full monetary compensation," Mathur revealed further.

Meeting with Akshay Kumar

Mathur recalls being chosen to discuss DD's financial troubles with Akshay during the shooting of 'Chandni Chowk To China'. He was surprised by Akshay's response, who immediately agreed to end the contract if it wasn't working. Despite the stringent clauses, Akshay assured Mathur that he would handle it with his lawyer.

"After the shot, we returned to his vanity van, and I, very hesitantly, explained the reason for my visit and outlined DD's financial troubles," added Mathur.

He revealed Akshay's reply, "No problem ji, he said in a sympathetic manner. If it's not working, let's close it. I thought I hadn't heard him right. Seeing my confused look, he clarified slowly, 'Isko khatam kar dete hain (let us end this)'. When I mumbled about the stringent contract clauses, he reassured me, 'Koi baat nahin, main lawyer ko bol dunga (No problem, I will tell the lawyer)'."