Ranked 158th in the world, Indian football is not exactly in the pink of health but with a bit of help from former World Cup winners, some big Bollywood stars and a dash of cricket to it, the Indian Super League would be looking to draw the fans and raise the profile of the 'beautiful game' in a nation obsessed with cricket.
All the marquee players are past their prime and are discards of European leagues -- David James of Kerala Blasters is the oldest at 44 -- but the event has generated worldwide attention.
Add to this the host of Bollywood celebrities, Indian cricketers -- including the iconic Sachin Tendulkar -- and business magnates who have co-owned various teams, and it appears to have all the ingredients needed for a blockbuster recipe.
Also Read
A grand Bollywood-style opening ceremony is planned ahead of the inaugural match-up between city franchise Atletico de Kolkata and Mumbai City FC. The league will then spread to seven other centers of Guwahati, Kochi, Fatorda, Pune, Chennai Mumbai and Delhi before the final on December 20.
On paper, the Ranbir Kapoor co-owned Mumbai City FC appear to be the heavyweights with the mercurial Frenchman Nicolas Anelka and Swede Fredrik Ljungberg along with acclaimed domestic players like India no 1 goalkeeper Subrata Pal, experienced side-back Syed Rahim Nabi and the spirited medio Lalrindika Ralte.