Dhoni, KSDL spar on

The on-going spat between India one-day international cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and the Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd (KSDL) over an endorsement contract has taken an interesting turn with the former demanding Rs 21 lakh fee at 12 per cent interest from the company.

KSDL had recently issued a legal notice to Dhoni and Gameplan Sports Pvt Ltd, the company which manages Dhoni's endorsements, claiming Rs 40 lakh as damages for not honouring is commitment to do advertisements for the company, which manufactures the Mysore Sandal soap.

Dhoni had been roped in by KSDL for Rs 84.85 lakh in January 2006 for a two-year term. Dhoni was supposed to set aside 10 days for KSDL to enable the latter to shoot its advertisements.

The company had paid Rs 64.42 lakh as per the agreement and the remaining amount was to be paid after the commercials were made. As Dhoni failed to meet the conditions and was available only for three days, KSDL shot a notice to him.

However, Dhoni recently replied and challenged KSDL's contention. Speaking to reporters here on Monday, KSDL managing director B H Anil Kumar said: "Dhoni has replied stating that he cannot be held responsible as he was not given enough time by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).''