The Indian Super League (ISL) is one of the top football leagues in India. It began in 2014 to help football grow in the country. ISL has become very popular in India since then. The league brings together top players from around the world and talented Indian players. In this blog, we will talk about the history of ISL, the teams, their owners, and how the players are selected. At the end, there will be an FAQ section to answer common questions about ISL.
History of ISL
The ISL was launched in 2014. It was started by the Football Sports Development Ltd (FSDL). This company is a joint venture between Reliance Industries, Star India, and IMG. The goal of ISL was to improve football in India and make it more professional. Before ISL, football in India was not very popular compared to cricket.
ISL was created to give Indian players a chance to play with international stars and learn from them. The first season of ISL started in October 2014, and Atlético de Kolkata won the first title. Since then, ISL has grown a lot, with more teams and players joining every year.
ISL Teams and Their Owners
There are currently 11 teams in ISL. Each team is owned by a business group or a famous personality. Let’s look at the teams and their owners.
- ATK Mohun Bagan
Owner: RPSG Group
This team is a combination of ATK and Mohun Bagan. Mohun Bagan is one of the oldest football clubs in India, and ATK won the ISL title three times. - Bengaluru FC
Owner: JSW Group
Bengaluru FC joined ISL in 2017. They have won the ISL title once, in the 2018-19 season. - Chennaiyin FC
Owners: Vita Dani, Abhishek Bachchan, MS Dhoni
This team has won the ISL title twice. Chennaiyin FC is one of the most successful teams in ISL. - East Bengal FC
Owners: Emami Group
East Bengal is another old football club in India. They joined ISL recently in 2020. - FC Goa
Owners: Jaydev Mody, Akshay Tandon, Virat Kohli
FC Goa is known for their attacking style of play. They have a large fan base and have made it to the finals several times. - Hyderabad FC
Owners: Varun Tripuraneni, Vijay Madduri
Hyderabad FC is a relatively new team but has already made its mark by winning the ISL title in the 2021-22 season. - Jamshedpur FC
Owner: Tata Steel
Jamshedpur FC joined ISL in 2017. The team has a strong youth academy system. - Kerala Blasters FC
Owner: Magnum Sports Private Limited
Kerala Blasters has one of the biggest fan followings in ISL. Though they have not won a title yet, they are always competitive. - Mumbai City FC
Owners: City Football Group, Ranbir Kapoor
Mumbai City FC is owned by the same group that owns Manchester City. They won their first ISL title in the 2020-21 season. - NorthEast United FC
Owner: John Abraham, Shillong Lajong FC
NorthEast United represents the northeastern part of India. The team has a strong fan base in that region. - Odisha FC
Owners: GMS Inc
Odisha FC is based in Bhubaneswar. They have been part of ISL since 2014, though they are yet to win a title.
How Are Players Selected in ISL?
The process of selecting players in ISL is a mix of scouting, auctions, and transfers. Here is a step-by-step explanation of how players are chosen for ISL teams:
- Scouting for Local Talent
Each team has scouts who look for talented players from different parts of India. These players are often found playing in local leagues or tournaments. Young and talented players get a chance to join ISL teams. - Indian Super League Draft
In the earlier seasons, ISL had a draft system. Indian players would enter the draft, and teams could select players from this pool. However, the draft system is not used as much now. - International Player Signings
ISL teams are allowed to have a limited number of foreign players. These players are usually signed through transfers. Teams look for experienced players who can improve their squads. Many players from Europe, South America, and Africa have played in ISL. - Youth Academies
Some ISL teams, like Bengaluru FC and Jamshedpur FC, have strong youth academies. These academies train young players and prepare them for the senior team. Players from these academies often get promoted to play in ISL. - Loan Deals
Sometimes, teams sign players on loan from other clubs. This is common for both Indian and foreign players. - Player Auctions
While not common every year, ISL has held player auctions where teams can bid for players. This happens mostly with Indian players.
ISL – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When did ISL start?
A1: ISL started in 2014.
Q2: Who won the first ISL title?
A2: Atlético de Kolkata won the first ISL title in 2014.
Q3: How many teams are there in ISL?
A3: There are 11 teams in ISL as of now.
Q4: Can Indian players play in ISL?
A4: Yes, Indian players play in ISL. Each team must have Indian players.
Q5: Are foreign players allowed in ISL?
A5: Yes, ISL teams can sign foreign players. However, there is a limit on the number of foreign players in each team.
Q6: How are players selected for ISL teams?
A6: Players are selected through scouting, transfers, loans, and sometimes auctions.
Q7: What is the role of youth academies in ISL?
A7: Some ISL teams have youth academies to train young players. These academies help develop future players for ISL.
Q8: Which team has won the most ISL titles?
A8: ATK has won the most ISL titles (three times).
Q9: Is ISL the top football league in India?
A9: Yes, ISL is considered one of the top football leagues in India.
Q10: Who are the owners of ISL teams?
A10: ISL teams are owned by business groups, famous personalities, and football clubs. For example, Mumbai City FC is owned by the City Football Group, and Kerala Blasters is owned by Magnum Sports Private Limited.
Q11: How do foreign players impact Indian football through ISL?
A11: Foreign players bring experience and skill, which helps Indian players learn and improve.
Q12: How has ISL helped Indian football?
A12: ISL has brought more attention to football in India. It has also improved the quality of the game by bringing in foreign coaches and players.
Conclusion
The Indian Super League has changed the landscape of football in India. It has brought together top international players and Indian talent, giving fans a chance to watch high-quality football. The league has grown every year, with more fans, better players, and stronger teams. It has also helped young Indian players get a platform to showcase their talent. With the backing of big owners and continued support from fans, ISL is set to grow even more in the coming years.
By understanding the history, teams, and how players are selected, we can appreciate how far ISL has come.