Mascarenhas dies in road accident

Mark Mascarenhas, the marketing agent of cricket star Sachin Tendulkar, died on Sunday in a road accident at Kharbi, about 80 km from Nagpur.

Mascarenhas, 44, is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

The WorldTel chief, travelling in a Tata Sumo along with three foreigners whose identities are still to be confirmed, was on his way to Kanha National Park (Madhya Pradesh) from Mumbai when the front tyre of the vehicle burst at Kharbi, the police said.

The vehicle turned turtle and Mascarenhas died on the spot due to the head injuries.

A post-mortem would be conducted later in the evening and his body will be subsequently handed over to his family.

Mascarenhas' three co-passengers are being treated at the Bhandara Civil Hospital.

Family sources in Bangalore had earlier said the business tycoon died at Nagoor in Tamil Nadu after his vehicle collided with another car. But they later confirmed that the accident took place at Kharbi.

Mascarenhas shot into limelight when he signed a multi-million deal with Tendulkar in 1996, making the batsman the highest paid cricketer ever.

The five-year contract between Tendulkar and WorldTel was renewed late last year for an amount believed to be in excess of Rs 500 million.

Mascarenhas was also planning to start global chain of hotels carrying Tendulkar's name.

Earlier interview:
'I have never got a cricket tournament for free from any friend. I have always paid the highest amount of money'

Mail Cricket Editor