Can football take hold in India?

Can football make headway in the most fanatical cricket nation in the world, India?  The Indian Super League is modelled on the Indian Premier League cricket competition which, despite some recent problems, has been a commercial success.

Business figures ranging from steel billionaire Saijan Jindal to Bollywood film mogul Shahrukh Kahn are expected to enter franchise bids for the new eight club, two month tournament which kicks off in September.   Owners will be expected to bid at least Rs1.2bn ($20m) for ten year franchises.

Can football make headway in the most fanatical cricket nation in the world, India?  The Indian Super League is modelled on the Indian Premier League cricket competition which, despite some recent problems, has been a commercial success.

Business figures ranging from steel billionaire Saijan Jindal to Bollywood film mogul Shahrukh Kahn are expected to enter franchise bids for the new eight club, two month tournament which kicks off in September.   Owners will be expected to bid at least Rs1.2bn ($20m) for ten year franchises.

Rupert Murdoch’s Star television network is an investor and broadcast partner.  Whether it can dent cricket’s appeal remains to be seen.