It has always been a one-sided war for our fans when it comes to cricket and football. While the cricket lovers get to see numerous formats of the game being played throughout the calendar, with of course the IPL adding to their fiesta, our football fans have settled following foreign leagues and tournaments with minute or even no hope to see their own country clubs and the national side compete with the world star players.
But much to their relief, and thanks to Neeta Ambani that they finally got to see some good and exciting football being played in the Indian super league (ISL). With just one season, it has gained all necessary attention and has also tagged itself with big names like Borja Fernandez, Tuncay Sanli and Andre Moritz. More names are soon to follow and one example is the inclusion of world legend Roberto Carlos as the coach of Delhi franchise. But the other side of the story of Indian football is far more disheartening and grey.
While this young, fashioned and well-nourished league is preparing to see more years of success, the Indian core football is going through a fall like never before.
Players who were known for playing good football are signing up for mere thousands to at least have a club while many others are club less. With only a handful of the local Indian players being signed in the Indian Super League, many others are struggling to keep up with their hopes and might even be thinking about a different profession. With the crowd stands empty and sponsors turning away their heads, the Indian football body too is in no man's land.
So, as a football fan we can just hope and pray that our own players and our own national team someday come out of this dark night and finally see the sun shining on them in world football.
