Published: Sep 12, 2013, 07:13 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 12, 2013, 07:13 PM (IST)
Sponsors are likely to cash in on Sachin Tendulkar’s record feat of playing 200 Test matches © Getty Images
New Delhi: Sep 12, 2013
For over two decades, Sachin Tendulkar has been one of the most coveted ‘brands’ in India, but as the maestro gears up for his historic 200th Test match, it seems that ‘Brand Sachin’ is ready to evolve beyond the realms of cricket.
“Sachin Tendulkar’s brand has transcended beyond the cricket field. It is a brand that has more than enough credibility in the collective consciousness of the Indian public. Therefore, I believe, that you can’t pinpoint on one particular event (200th Test match) for celebration. Each of Sachin’s achievements has been unique in itself,” World Sport Group (WSG) senior vice-president and Country Head Harish Krishnamachar told PTI on Thursday.
WSG has been managing Tendulkar since 2006, after his contract with WorldTel group ended.
Asked about Tendulkar’s brand value, Krishnamachar said that most of senior batsmen’s sponsors have long-term contracts with him.
“Just like us, the commitment that Sachin has had with his sponsors has been long term. Since 2006, when we started managing Sachin’s commercial aspects, his sponsorship contracts have all been long term. Now if the sponsors want activation around the event (200th Test), they are free to do so,” the WSG Country Head commented.
Asked how will Tendulkar maintain his ‘Brand Value’ once he calls time on his career, Krishnamachar said that the “possibilities are fantastic”.
“He will certainly like to give back something to the game in his own way and obviously the connect that he has with corporate world wouldn’t also diminish. So far his cricketing commitments have taken a lot of time. Maybe now he can focus on writing about his phenomenal career, may be a lovely docu-feature that carries on his legacy.”
