Mumbai: The Indian Super League (ISL), in order to maintain the parity with the glamour of Indian Premier League (IPL), roped in superstars who bought stakes in the teams. With the auction for the second season knocking on the door, let’s recall the big bosses, the faces behind the franchises.
Ranbir Kapoor (Mumbai City FC, co-owner): The Bollywood superstar, known for his football skills, was one of the first celebrities to declare his team in 2014. The die-hard Barcelona fan is present in most of the matches. He is also a part of the All Stars Football Club, a charitable trust.
Abhishek Bachchan/ Mahendra Singh Dhoni (Chennaiyin FC, co-owners): Also known to be a smooth footballer, the junior Bachchan stunned everyone by investing in football, right after kabaddi. He also owns the Jaipur Pink Panthers in the Pro Kabaddi League. The Indian cricket team ODI captain is Chennai’s local hero, thanks to his exploits with Chennai Super Kings in IPL.
(Photo: PTI)
John Abraham (NorthEast United FC, principal owner): The hunk of the B-town is a fitness freak. Abraham – also the brand ambassador of Mumbai Marathon – recently bought Shillong Lajong’s stake in the franchise too.
(Photo: PTI)
Hrithik Roshan (Pune City FC, co-owner): The superhero of Indian cinema threw his hat in the ring at the last hour for Pune in 2014. After Salman Khan backed out the last minute, Hrithik came in. He had promised a dance performance had Pune won the title in 2014. He has another chance now.
(Photo: ISL)
Sourav Ganguly (Atletico de Kolkata, co-owner): The former India skipper tasted success as his team won the inaugural season. But this time, he will not have star player Fikru Teferra. Nonetheless, one can expect ‘Dadagiri’ in the second season as well.
(Photo: ISL)
Sachin Tendulkar (Kerala Blasters FC, co-owner): The Indian cricket icon and Ganguly revisited old days when both their teams played the final in 2014. Tendulkar was one of the first to walk up to Kerala players after the team lost, an inspiration to have around a sportsman.
Virat Kohli (FC Goa, co-owner): The current star of Indian cricket increased Goa’s charm by bring himself aboard. The brand Kohli could be the secret to Goa’s success. Last year, they rolled back after a quiet start. With Lucio in the franchise along with Kohli’s aggression, Goa could be the team to watch out for.
(Photo: PTI)
Sameer Manchanda/ DEN Networks (Delhi Dynamos, owner): Though the Delhi franchise doesn't boast of a movie star or a cricketer, renowned businessman Sameer Manchanda of DEN Networks is one of the faces behind the franchise who had Alessandro Del Piero in 2014 as a star player.
(Photo: ISL)
