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GMR expects Daredevils to break even by 2011

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Pradipta Mukherjee Kolkata
Last Updated : Jan 29 2013 | 12:59 AM IST

GMR spent Rs 330 crore to own the Daredevils.

According to B Vanchi, advisor on corporate strategy, GMR Group, "This is the first IPL year and most of us have hurried things. From next year GMR will plan special merchandise packaging and other revenue generating options."

He added, "As of now, the merchandise sold through 42 Adidas outlets in Delhi, include Daredevils jerseys, t-shirts, caps, sneakers, among others. There is a huge demand for the jerseys and stocks are always running out".

When contacted, a spokesperson of Adidas, said, "It is true that we are constantly running out of Daredevils jerseys and t-shirts. So far, we have already sold over 20,000 Daredevils jerseys."

The jerseys are priced upwards of Rs 1,500.

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Another revenue earning model for GMR Sports will be use of internet and selling advertising space on its website.

While every franchisee's website has blogs, feedback zones and player video sections, GMR's website will also include cricket editorials and online games.

Kolkata Knight Riders online boasts of 37,000 registered users, Royal Challengers (RC) 10,000 and Delhi Daredevils (DD) 30,000.

"At present, GMR has over 30,000 registered users on the website. After the IPL season, we will decide how and who we need to partner with for selling advertising space," Vanchi added.

"We collected Rs 2.25 crore from ticket sales for the second match. We have also earned Rs 2 crore from the third match," informed Vanchi.

At the Delhi stadium, tickets are priced between Rs 250 and Rs 8,000. The Delhi stadium accommodates 42,000 spectators per match. The biggest demand is for the 2,000 tickets priced at Rs 4,000. About 15 per cent of the ticket sales are charged by the Delhi government as entertainment tax. GMR has to spend $7 million every year on its team and marketing. GMR bought the team for Rs 330 crore.

The company had spent close to Rs 22 crore for signing up players, including New Zealand Captain Daniel Vettori, Pakistan speedster Mohd Asif and ex-Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath, besides Indian players including Dinesh Kaarthick and Manoj Tiwary. Hero Honda is the main sponsor for GMR Sports. United Breweries' Kingfisher beer has been named associate sponsor, while sportswear brand Adidas will sponsor uniforms of the Delhi team.

GMR Sports, subsidiary of the infrastructure major GMR Group, has roped in Leo Burnett for its advertising campaign.

Hosts Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils would look to climb up the Indian Premier League (IPL) ladder in Kolkata's Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

While Sourav Ganguly's team has won the last two matches to take their tally to eight points from eight matches, Virender Sehwag's Delhi have suffered close defeats in their last three matches to remain at eight.

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First Published: May 14 2008 | 12:00 AM IST

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