KKR puts tie-up with Lux Cozi on hold

Kolkata Knight Riders has put on hold its tie-up with hosiery brand Lux Cozi after the deal earned widespread criticism and anger among the people of Kolkata.

"Respecting the sentiments of Kolkata and people of Bengal, both, Lux Industries and KKR have decided to put their association on hold until issues are resolved and the sensitivities of the aggrieved group are adequately addressed," the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchisee said on Monday.

As per the link-up, the innerwear brand, owned by Ashok Todi, an accused in Rizwanur Rahman suicide case, was supposed to be associated with KKR's apparel merchandising.

Lux Hosiery had also signed the Bollywood star as their brand ambassador.

"Presently it has come to our attention that the sentiments of a group of people in Kolkata have been hurt due to the personal affairs of individuals associated with one of the parties to the association.

"Our association and we say this on behalf of both Lux Industries Ltd. and KKR, was never intended to hurt any sentiments or disturb any sensibilities," a statement from the franchisee added.

The Todis were charged with abetting the suicide of computer graphics designer Rizwanur Rehman after he married Ashok Todi's daughter Priyanka.

A criminal case has been registered with the Todi brothers who are currently on bail.

SRK, on his last visit to Kolkata, met the Todis as the deal had come up sparking anger in various parts of the city.

In fact, the Imam of Kolkata's second biggest mosque had written to Khan, appealling to scrap the deal.

"The association was worked upon, on the basis of the fact that, Lux Industries Ltd is a company doing business successfully in India and based in Kolkata for more than last 50 years.

"The association was truly professional and offered a sound synergic alliance between the two organizations. No matters concerning individuals associated with the respective organisations were envisaged as this was a purely professional tie-up.

"Having said the above, we again reiterate that this a professional association that perhaps does not merit to be judged on any personal fronts, but our love and respect for the sentiments of our fellow Kolkatans drives us to put on hold any further activity with regard to our association, till such time an acceptable resolution to the situation is arrived at.

"We sincerely hope that our effort to redress this grievance is positively received and this may bring to end any strife, hurt or anguish caused to anyone who has raised their displeasure in this matter," added the release.

The KKR jersey of black and gold colour has been changed with designer Manish Malhotra bringing purple into it even as the gold lining continues to exist.

The Kolkata side had finished last in the second edition, while in the inaugural IPL edition the side had finished second last.

The third edition of the T20 extravaganza will be held from March 12-April 25.