The DJ playing music during Champions League T20 matches does not have the required consent from the regulator

Fans and spectators of the Airtel Champions League T20 cricket tournament are in for another shock.

After the three Indian Premier League teams made an unceremonious exit from the fatafat cricket extravaganza the colourful cheer girls may also have to just sit and enjoy the on-field action rather than dancing to the tunes of the DJ whenever the ball clears the boundary and during breaks.



Music licensing authority Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) registered an FIR against the DNA networks organisers of the on-field entertainment at the stadiums on October 16 for allegedly playing unlicensed music and failing to pay the royalty to the copyright owners.

The PPL filed the complaint in Delhi and Hyderabad and is planning to do the same in Bangalore. Though the Delhi Police is yet to register an FIR, the Hyderabad Police registered the report under FIR No. 9709/2009 at Uppal Police station.

The complaints have been registered under sections 2FF number 51 and 63 of the Copyright Act 1957. DNA Networks MD T Venkat Vardhan and GM-Operations Rajesh Chandwani have been made accused in both the complaints.

MiD-DAY is in possession of both the police complaints as well as extracts from the communication transpired between the parties concerned. It is understood that the agency had written an approach letter to PPL for granting license before the commencement of the tournament. However, on October 12, PPL sent an e-mail to DNA Networks, marking a copy to Airtel (title sponsor) and BCCI (the organiser), and accused the agency of delaying the payment of license fee. It asked the organisers to make the payment at the earliest.

Vitamin Eye: A file photo of cheerleaders at the Champions League T20 cricket tournament