Brand MSD, a different case: Pune likely to safeguard Mahendra Singh Dhoni's financial interests in IPL

CSK and Pune have reportedly agreed to safeguard Dhoni's financial interests, with the latter ready to rope in Rhiti Sports as the marketing arm of the new franchise.

New Delhi: It was spelled that regardless of the amount fixed in the draft, players from the two suspended Indian Premier League (IPL) franchises will get exactly what they got in their previous contract when they are accommodated into the two temporary teams.

With this Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) directive, arrived a confusion, pertaining to the case of Mahendra Singh Dhoni -- who was bought by Pune for Rs 12.5 crore on Monday auction in Mumbai. He will get what Chennai Super Kings used to pay. But what about the brand his carries with him, for which CSK had tacitly agreed to play more than the salary.

According to a report Hindustan Times, CSK and Pune have agreed to safeguard Dhoni's financial interests, with the latter ready to rope in Rhiti Sports as the marketing arm of the new franchise.

It's being seen as an virtual continuation of the agency's relationship with the Chennai-based franchise, to Pune via Dhoni.

“Brand Dhoni cuts above all these small considerations; the aspect of the brand committed to cricket alone is capable of lending him the same stature. There is nothing odd if all the brands he endorses automatically move with his new association. And it is how the whole plan around his financial interest in the IPL is protected,” a source told HT.

Besides, Dhoni is likely get more than the salary - paid what he was getting officially and unofficially from CSK - once he comes on Pune board. The report claimed that Dhoni got in the region of Rs 28 crore.

And Rhiti Sports likely to manage the marketing strategy of Pune, Dhoni is sure to bring majority of the endorsement which were associated with CSK in the new franchise, thus assuring himself of all the financial returns from the cash-rich league.