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ShareA day after retaining BCCI's media rights, Nimbus CMD Harish Thawani tells DNA that the talk of his company being sold is untrue.
You have successfully retained the biggest cricketing property in the world...
We're extremely passionate about and committed to Indian cricket. So we are pleased to extend our relationship with Indian cricket for another term.
But why are you low key in your reaction this time? Last time the announcement was made with much fanfare.
I guess as we grow older, we become more mellow.
Are you comfortable with the valuation of Rs 31.25 cr per match?
We can't comment on details of our contract with BCCI, but obviously both parties have agreed to a valuation, hence both must be comfortable with the figure agreed.
Were the returns from the last deal satisfactory?
The previous term has yet to end. In fact its biggest season is just about to begin. At the end of the term we will be able to answer your question.
Will you be able to meet January 15 deadline for Rs2,000 crore?
We've made commitments after consulting our bankers and shareholders, so we are comfortable with what we have committed.
There are reports consistently in the media that you were defaulting payment to the BCCI last time?
We're fully compliant with our obligations to the BCCI. We can't control what some jealous competitor chooses to whisper behind our back.
There is a perception that two heavyweights in the BCCI were divided over giving the rights to you?
We've no idea about the internal discussions between the BCCI officials.
How is your personal equation with Lalit Modi? You were seen together at many press conferences. You are no longer seen together.
Lalit is a highly energetic and dynamic personality and I have great personal regard for him. You are right; we haven't addressed a press conference together for a while, if that is your barometer for measuring people's relationships!!
Why are there not too many domestic matches being shown by you?
I've no idea which country you live in - Neo Cricket showed both the Irani Trophy and the Challenger Trophy in the past few weeks, which have been the to key domestic tournaments staged this season.
There is a talk that that you may sell the rights or the company.
We're in the market to buy more rights (as long as the events interest the viewing public and the asking price is sensible). Our key shareholders 3I, OIF and CISCO are amongst the world's largest private equity or strategic investors, and that gives enormous strength to Nimbus when planning and executing its growth strategy.
