True to his promise and character, Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has refused a mega offer that came his way to endorse a popular liquor brand, that would have fetched him Rs. 20 crore. Experts in the business say it would have been the highest-ever deal for an Indian sportsperson had it been clinched.
The Maharashtra government immediately has commended master blaster Sachin Tendulkar for his turning down the Rs 20-crore offer to endorse a top liquor brand. In a letter to the batsman, Minister of Social Justice Department Shivajirao Moghe lauded Sachin for the decision.
“We appreciate Sachin for helping us indirectly in the de-addiction campaign run by the government and also setting up an example for others,” Moghe said, adding that by rejecting the amount Sachin showed that he is a responsible citizen.
“I hope other famous personalities follow Sachin’s footsteps,” the minister said. “We want to keep youth away from liquor and cigarettes and are are drafting a policy for this,” Moghe said.
A spokesperson from World Sports Group (WSG) -- who look after his endorsements -- confirmed the offer but said they cannot give details of the deal offered. "He did get an offer but we are not in a position to name the company or give details of the offer," said the WSG spokesperson.
It is learnt that the offer, a one-year contract, was much higher than what Mahendra Singh Dhoni recently signed for a three-year deal with Vijay Mallya's UB Group, which is worth Rs 26 crores. Tendulkar was offered as much as Rs 20 crore annually.
A former colleague who is also close to Tendulkar said the maestro is living up to the promise he made to his father Ramesh Tendulkar many years ago. "His father had advised him against endorsing alcohol-related or tobacco products soon after he had made the Indian Test team. Anyway, money can never lure Tendulkar and this offer is a classic example of how he believes in his principles and values his cricket," said the player who once led India to a famous win under Tendulkar's guidance.
It is also said that the UB Group had approached Tendulkar with the deal before signing Dhoni but the former turned down. Then Dhoni was signed in. Besides Dhoni, the UB Group has also signed up four other players for promotion of their brand McDowells.
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