He said that on Thursday that the AIFF has given the nod for holding an IPL-like football league. The working committee, along with their business partner IMG-Reliance, has agreed for holding this football tournament early next year. It will be played between January 18 and March 30.
The major highlights of the tournament will be that it will have 8 franchisees, with 10 cities of India shortlisted as venues. There will be 22 players in each squad. At the most only 10 foreigners will be allowed in a single team. Thus, there will be a total of 176 players participating, out of which 80 will hopefully be overseas players enjoying star status.
The 10-week thrilling extravaganza is likely to draw the attention of media to the tune of cricket’s IPL. IMG–Reliance has entered into a contract with the AIFF to run the event for 12 years. The matches will be played in Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Goa, with Hyderabad and Guwahati as standby venues.
The most prominent player of each team will be given the status of icon (marquee players). The auction will be held in the month of September 2013. The best part is that through this proposed IPL kind of format, the popularity of football in India is likely to be increased manyfold.
Many of us will be surprised to know that once upon a time, Indian football reached glorious heights. Of course it was always behind cricket in terms of popularity, but Indian football had a golden period during 1951 to 1962. It might sound unbelievable now, but the Indian football team stood fourth in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne.
Also, in 1970, India defeated Japan 1-0 in the Asian Games. Unfortunately, thereafter we have seen nothing but the steep downfall. Lack of sufficient infrastructure, especially stadiums and training facilities are the basic reasons for the terrible state of football.
Though the AIFF is trying hard to bring about a positive change, but there is a long way to go. The IPL-style football tournament might prove to be a game changer.
The overall atmosphere for the growth of sports in India was never too favorable. First the IPL in cricket, then Hockey India League, followed by the upcoming Indian Badminton League have changed the scenario. And now, a franchise based league in football!
The ever increasing participation by the energetic younger generation is the key for this pleasant development. The idea itself is very exciting. A friend of mine who is a state level football player defines this as very positive news.
What a wonderful awakening of a nation in terms of football promotion! The overall growth, the bonding, the investment, the popularity, the media coverage – all these elements help in establishing any event. But ultimately it is the public support on which the success of the sporting venture depends.
Praful Patel believes that I-league will take Indian football forward. But, this small time IPL-style league will function as a booster dose. The thrust will be on popularizing football and to spread the game among the masses.
Patel hoped that internationally acclaimed footballers will participate. Franchisees will execute the contract, and there will be a balanced mix of Indian and foreign players in every team. Though it was learnt that a few clubs have shown reluctance in sparing their players for this version of football, but Patel is hopeful that there will be no major hurdles.
Given the enthusiasm noticed, it appears that this will prove to be a milestone in the history of Indian football. Our talent is not only confined to India, and a couple of players have also got exposure abroad.
Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia used to play for Bury FC of England. Likewise, Sunil Chhetri also got to play for Sporting Lisbon side in Portugal (albeit the ‘B’ side).
One of the young Indian goalkeepers was also called for trials in England recently. East Bengal club lifted the ASEAN cup in 2003. Therefore, the roots of Indian football are firm, but they just require further nourishing. We thankfully acknowledge the initiative taken by AIFF.
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