NEW DELHI: Just as the Indian cricket team prepared for its departure to Colombo for the Champions Trophy, another of the vexed issues dogging the team was sorted out today. Subrata Roy's Sahara India, the sponsor of the national squad will not be sporting its logo on the team's flannels.

Instead, the sponsor name will be Subrata. Sahara was barred from appearing as the team logo following objections raised by global ICC sponsor South African Airways, as there was a conflict of interest between SAA and Sahara Airways was the contention.

At a press conference in Delhi today, Roy said that it was only in the national interest that he did not go ahead and sue over the issue as it would have jeapordised the team's being able to play in the tournament.

LG INDIA NOT TO ADVERTISE ON SONY:
Meanwhile, another global sponsor LG India made it official today that it would not be advertising on Sony Entertainment Television India.

LG India, was the only global partner (the other two being Pepsi and Hero Honda) with direct business interests in India that failed to sign on with SET India over what it termed as unreasonably high ad rates. According to industry sources, at last count it had conveyed to Sony that it was willing to pay in the region of $ 3000 for a 30 second spot.

When it was finally confirmed on Monday that a full strength team would be winging its way to Colombo, it was thought that LG might be willing to reconsider its stance. However, this never happened and LG India marketing head Ganesh Mahalingam had this to say: "I have not signed on with Sony because the rates are to high. I will instead be increasing my exposure to (national broadcaster) Doordarshan instead and that will give me enough and adequate mileage.

'A' Team in place, SET safe on ad rates