Mumbai Indians not bidding for any ISL franchise

Mumbai: IPL winners Mumbai Indians today made it clear that they were not bidding for the city or any other franchises in the ambitious Indian Super League (ISL) football tournament slated to be held later this year.

“IndiaWin Sports Pvt. Ltd., which owns the IPL franchise Mumbai Indians, wishes to state that we have not bid for a franchise in the upcoming Indian Super League,” a release issued by the registered owner stated.

“IndiaWin Sports Pvt. Ltd. has received several media queries over the last few days on whether we have bid for a franchise in the Indian Super League. Most of these queries are specific to the interest Mumbai Indians ‘must’ have in being a ‘League Partner’ for the city of Mumbai.”

Anticipation around the ISL seemed to be building with the organisers receiving positive response from more than 30 interested parties.

Some of the big names from the country’s corporate world, Bollywood biggies and present sports team owners have come forward with a wish to be part of the event that promises big-ticket action.

“Indeed, Indian Super League provides a promising opportunity for a sports brand to develop unique connect, brand extension and value creation. However adhering to the highest standards of corporate governance and transparency, and in the larger interest of the sport, the management at IndiaWin Sports had taken a conscious decision not to participate in the bidding process,” the release further stated.

Promising to revolutionise the sport in the country, the league has the backing of All India Football Federation, and is likely to see big names such as former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke, former Argentina striker Hernan Crespo and former England forward Michael Owen.

“Indian Super League aims to be India’s next major sports property. Having put in place the foundational structure, it is now at the homestretch identifying the ‘League Partners’ who will form the pillar of this professional league.”

The nine cities in the reckoning are Bangalore, Chennai, Dehli, Goa, Guwahati, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune. Eight cities will be shortlisted.

PTI