Even with the ICC laying down rules against ambush marketing during the World Cup, a few violations have come up and they are being looked into, according to a person close to the development.
The violations include use of the Indian captain, Mr Mahendra Singh Dhoni, in “blue” clothes by Sony in an advertisement campaign for Bravia TV. According to the ICC guidelines, players participating in the 2011 World Cup can appear in any advertising or endorsement only in their generic cricket whites or casual formal or leisure wear. They cannot appear in the national colours of a team (the exception being IPL outfits).
“There are discussions between ICC and BCCI regarding Sony. Sony is only the on-air broadcast sponsor on ESPN Star Sports and do not have clearances to use blue. The result of the discussions will be known in a day or two,” said the source working with the ICC on IP rights.
There have also been a few other violations across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, he said. “We are discussing a few possible violations and studying various instances and usages, but at the moment cannot discuss the details.”
Use of logos
According the ICC guidelines, only sponsors have the right to use the World Cup trademarks and logos on their advertising.