By CricketCountry Staff
Host of brands and talent management firms are chalking out plans to catch the talented players in the Unmukt Chand-led Under-19 World Cup winning squad that trounced Australia in in their own backyard to lift the title.
Published: Aug 28, 2012, 11:38 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 28, 2012, 11:38 AM (IST)
India Under-19 team beat Australia to lift the the World Cup on Sunday © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
New Delhi: Aug 28, 2012
Host of brands and talent management firms are chalking out plans to catch the talented players in the Unmukt Chand-led India Under-19 World Cup winning squad that trounced Australia in their own backyard to lift the title.
“We are seriously considering at least 3-4 cricketers and in a few months, we should have a couple of them on board,” said Melroy D’souza, chief operating officer at Professional Management Group, the sports marketing arm of Madison World that manages Virender Sehwag and Abhinav Bindra among others.
“It is too soon to start talking about endorsement deals in a big way, but brands which are targeting teenagers will surely consider roping in a few promising individuals,” D’souza said.
Bharat Chand Thakur, father of India captain, who scored a century to take his team through, already has it in his mind.
“So far we never thought about the commercial aspect, but now that things will change, we will have someone manage Unmukt,” said the proud father.
“Unmukt Chand will be definitely be a sought after guy for endorsements,” Latika Khaneja, managing partner at talent management firm Collage Sports Management was quoted saying by the Economic Times
Adding that Chand is a perfect blend of talent, looks and attitude and companies in categories like beverages, mobiles, bikes and computers could show interest.
Alok Bharadwaj, senior vice president at camera and printer maker Canon India said marketers looking to target young customers may consider these teenagers as ambassadors.
Every single player in the under-19 team is likely to get a chance to play in the Indian Premier League.
“Every team is looking for more talented people and so are we,” says Amrit Mathur, COO of Delhi Daredevils.
“An under-19 will not be able to command more than 15 lakh per endorsement, but that is a good beginning,” says a sports talent manager who did not wish to be identified.
The likes of Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli command anywhere between Rs 1.5 crore to Rs 6 crore per deal.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is pleased to have a strong pipeline of talent for the senior team.
“Biggest advantage is that the supply of good talent will not be a problem,” BCCI spokesman Rajiv Shukla said.
“People are taking note of the talent of our young cricketers, there is lot of interest and if there is any sponsorship proposal, we will surely consider,” he added.
