Here comes ISL-4

Goa hosted the AFC Asian Cup UAE qualifier on Tuesday at Nehru stadium, Fatorda. India scored a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Myanmar as a paltry and sedate crowd of around 5000 watched, much of which came from the free passes and tickets distributed earlier. Enter India Super League and the mood turns distinctively electric.
The football league that has captured the imagination of the country, is here again and gets bigger and hopefully better when the fourth edition kicks off in Kochi on Friday with two of the biggest (in terms of crowd attendance at home) and most successful outfits - two-time champions ATK, clash with two-time runners-up Kerala Blasters.
ISL has turned the club-football scenario in the country, on its head. The otherwise lacklustre atmosphere around the game, gets a shot in the arm with ISL. So what is the secret of success of ISL and what makes it different and electrifying? It's entertainment all around with football being dished out to the galleries. It's the environment that gets a facelift with revamp of stadiums across its franchise areas all over the country. It's the marketing strategies that are put in place, with top of the line broadcasters in the mix. It's the big money where teams choose international destinations like Spain, Brazil, South Africa and Dubai for their pre-season training. It's the world-famous ‘marquee players' in each team where people flock to see the likes of Robert Pires, Luis Garcia, Alessandro Del Piero, Elano, David Trezeguet & Co.
Suddenly, a great package emerges and people throng the stadiums to be witness this new innovation in Indian football circuit. We see men and women with children in tow sporting masks and colours of all hues turn up and soak in the fun. These were the same people who were never bothered about the AIFF's NFL, later renamed I-League.
Besides the mood, there are takeaways too for Indian football. The National team has moved up the ranking a few notches, while ISL coaches showered praise on the Indian footballers. There's no denying that Indian players will gain a lot of skill and confidence playing amid players from Spain, Brazil, England, Portugal.
Times have changed and the ISL-4 will be a longer edition this year. Also, this time around there will be a minimum of six home-grown players on the pitch. What remains to be seen is if this league will continue to cheer the crowds. The ISL should give enough food for thought for those at the helm of our football in the State to work out ways to get the passion back on the turf. It's time to set the ball rolling.