Sachin Tendulkar sues Australian cricket bat maker over 2 million dollars in royalties

Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has filed a civil lawsuit against an Australian bat manufacturer, accusing it of using his name and image to promote products and then failing to pay him two million dollars in royalties.

The Federal Court papers filed this month and reviewed by Reuters, reveal that in 2016, Spartan Sports International agreed to pay Sachin at least 1 million dollars a year to use his image, logo and promotional services.

However, by September 2018, Spartan failed to make a single payment owed and Sachin then ended the agreement, asking the company to stop using his name and likeness.

The law firm listed as representing Tendulkar, Gilbert + Tobin, has declined comment on this development.

The court website showed the lawsuit was filed on June 5, with the first court date in Sydney on June 26.

Sachin Tendulkar’s civil claim has accused the Australian company of misleading or deceptive conduct, “passing off”, or suggesting an official endorsement when none existed, and breach of contract. It did not say what damages were sought.

Tendulkar became the world’s leading run-scorer in tests and one-day internationals format of cricket. With more than 34,000 runs and 100 centuries, in a 24-year career that ended in 2013.

In 2012 Sachin Tendulkar was made an honorary member of the Order of Australia, one of the country’s highest civil awards.