Dubai: India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni became the fourth cricketer - after Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli - to formally associate himself with the forthcoming Indian Super League (ISL) Monday, as he was announced a co-owner of Chennaiyin FC, the cash-rich tournament’s Chennai based franchisee.
Dhoni, who also leads Chennai Super Kings, will be a co-owner of the the team alongside Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan, says a release.
Tendulkar is the co-owner of Kerala Blasters while Ganguly is the co-promoter of Atletico de Kolkata. FC Goa had roped in Kohli as their associate owner.
Tickets for Chennaiyin FC’s first two home games, to be played in 40,000 capacity Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, were made available online Monday. They play their first home match against Kerala Blasters October 21.
The tournament begins October 12 in Kolkata with a match involving Atletico de Kolkata and Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium.
In a glitzy ceremony akin to the Indian Premier League (IPL) traditions, Nita Ambani, founder & chairperson of Football Sports Development unveiled the trophy for the Hero Indian Super League in Mumbai on Sunday.
Joining her were the icon players of eight Hero Indian Super League clubs – Fredrik Ljungberg (Mumbai City FC), Alessandro Del Piero (Delhi Dynamos FC), Joan Capdevila (NorthEast United FC), David Trezeguet (FC Pune City), Robert Pirès (FC Goa), Mikaël Silvestre (Chennaiyin FC), Luis Garcia (Atlético de Kolkata) and David James (Kerala Blasters FC), coming together for the first time on one stage in India, and probably the world.
“It’s a momentous day for all of us today as I stand along with the world’s footballing legends to unveil the pride of Indian Super League.
“As these role models have inspired hundreds of thousands of players worldwide, I am sure the ISL trophy will also stand as a symbol of aspiration for many youngsters in an emergent India,” Ambani said.
Designed by Frazer And Haws, the Hero Indian Super League trophy stands 26 inches tall. The logo on the top band has the ISL colours assigned to it and the handles are ornately carved and embellished with 24k gold gilt to imbue a sense of pride when held up.
