Football is the second most popular sport in India after cricket. Sounds unbelievable, but it’s true! Rarely does a domestic football match witness empty stands something that even a Ranji Trophy cricket match can’t boast of. But, even then, the All India Football Federation has struggled with the marketability of its premier product the I-League. Sponsors have hardly stuck around for long, and the product’s packaging for a TV audience hasn’t been good enough.

Here’s where the inaugural Indian Super League makes a dashing entry, almost like a hint of spice to the otherwise bland recipe dished out in the name of domestic football here.