Former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni has filed a criminal complaint in a local Ranchi court against Aarka Sports Management and two directors, alleging the misuse of his name. The Judicial Magistrate (First Class), Raj Kumar Pandey, recorded a witness statement on Friday, setting the next hearing for January 20. (More Cricket News)
Dhoni, through representative Seemant Lohani, filed the complaint on October 17, invoking sections 406 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code. Dhoni's lawyer, Dayanand Singh, explained that an agreement between Dhoni, Mihir Diwakar, and Soumya Das aimed to establish cricket academies and sports complexes in Dhoni's name. The arrangement stipulated direct payment of franchise fees to Dhoni and a 70:30 share in royalty fees.
Signed by Dhoni on May 7, 2017, the letter of authority initially saw payments to Dhoni. However, payments ceased, while academies and complexes continued to emerge. Consequently, Dhoni revoked the authority on August 15, 2021, suspecting losses exceeding Rs 15 crore from around 22-23 establishments.
Mihir Diwakar claimed that a legal notice was issued to Aarka after revoking the authority. In response on March 2, 2023, Aarka denied any "misuse," asserting that no agreements were negotiated after Dhoni's revocation. The company's response, referencing profit and loss statements, contended that losses were incurred, and no profits were generated, precluding profit distribution.
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The ongoing legal battle has brought to attention a contractual disagreement between Dhoni and Aarka Sports, highlighting the intricacies involved in sports management and celebrity endorsements. The hearing scheduled on January 20th is expected to provide more clarity on this legal dispute.
