'IPL can Give Big Sums to Actors, but Can't Pay for Music?'

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been making headlines every season and, this time, it finds itself embroiled in a controversy even before the tournament has begun. (Complete coverage of IPL 8)

The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) has sent a legal notice to the IPL, BCCI and the company organising the opening ceremony for allegedly failing to take the licence for the use of music during the event. The notice is dated April 4. (Also read: Players to watch out for in IPL 2015)

As a representative body for owners of music, the IPRS says it wants its members to get their due and contends that if the organisers can afford to pay big money to actors and other performers, they should be able to pay for the music being used as well.

"A legal notice has been issued to BCCI-IPL, Encompass Events and the venue of the event for not obtaining the licence for their forthcoming IPL opening ceremony in Kolkata on April 7," said a source from IPRS.

"Our Kolkata office has been trying its best to speak to IPL and Encompass executives, but they are reluctant to take the licence from IPRS for the use of IPRS Members' musical and literary works.

We have been issuing licences for all the IPL opening ceremonies to date and never wanted to obstruct their event but, this time, it seems they are not bothered. Therefore, we will make sure that our members' royalties are collected from them," he added.

Official speak

Speaking to mid-day, Kunal Sareen, vice-president and head (licensing), IPRS, said, "The notice has already been sent. They have been taking the license from us every year and we don't know what changed this time.

Apart from IPL, almost everyone takes the licence. All the people from the music industry are our members. We had approached the organisers, but there has been no communication from them until now, and this is the only way to deal with this unless they pay to buy the licence."

"Our only motive is to ensure that our members get their dues. They can afford to pay large sums of money to actors and other artistes, but they are not willing to pay for the music through which they will be entertaining the audience," he added.

'Discussion on'

IPL Chief Operating Officer Sundar Raman said, "You should speak to Encompass the event agency." Roshan Abbas, MD of Encompass Events Pvt Ltd, said, "IPRS is in discussion with our team. I am sure the issue will be resolved amicably."