Ex-Indian Management administrator reveals how Akshay Kumar decided to forgo Delhi Daredevils contract

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was associated with the IPL side Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) from 2008 to 2010. Under the contract, he was obligated to shoot promotional videos for the franchise. However, Kumar was busy with the films as he was at the peak of his career. This was the reason the 'De Dana Dan' actor failed to live up to the contract.

This has led to the franchise facing financial difficulties, leading them to contemplate termination of his contract. However, Kumar's deal was a secured one, meaning that the contract couldn't be ended prematurely.

"Akshay signed a three-year deal with Delhi Daredevils to shoot promotional films, attend meet and greet events and make appearances at corporate events... 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," Mathur wrote in his autobiography 'Pitchside: My Life in Indian Cricket' published by Westland Sport.

"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 contract didn't factor in early termination and it has run its course with full monetary compensation," Mathur, a former BCCI General Manager, recalled in his book.

"Seen from perspective of DD, Akshay's multi-crore contract could be equated to a self-goal or hit-wicket dismissal. Considering the disastrous financial results and need for austerity, the star had become an avoidable expense. Knowing there was no legal lifeline available, DD appealed to Akshay for mercy."

No problem, I will speak to the lawyer: Akshay Kumar

"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. 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," he added in his book.

"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)."