Here is a look at 10 reason why the Indian Super League (ISL) should transform the beautiful game in the country.
Football development at grass-roots level. Each team will establish academy to teach tiny tots football. Rupees 2 crore each will be earmarked towards this initially. But it should not be forgotten that football achievements are not something that can be achieved overnight.
Star value of players. Unlike European leagues, all 11 players in the ISL team are not stars. But the star value of overseas players who have reached India by now is not negligible.
Increase in number of spectators. More people are expected to watch the game at the venues itself. TV telecast, including in foreign countries, will be on and Indian football will be telecast overseas.
Football market will become more efficient. IMG Reliance, which spent Rs 700 crore, is expected to sell the football mania for an even bigger sum.
The complaint that Indian football lacks money will be quelled. The ISL will be able to fill the coffers of Indian football.
Cooperation of European teams will prove helpful for Indian football.
If the ISL grows like America’s Major Soccer League, more glamorous stars, like Ronaldinho, will arrive in the coming years.
Staging of more international football will prove a boon in the development of young talents in India.
A chance to come ahead of cricket. Football at various levels has more range than cricket which is played by a mere dozen countries. The spectators need to spend only a maximum of two hours to watch a football match.
The rise in income of Indian players. The amount that Indian goalie Subrata Pal received in the ISL auction was Rs 80 lakh and this is reward for two months' duty.