Tendulkar’s ISL team secures title sponsor

Kerala Blasters, the Indian Super League football franchise co-owned by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar (pictured), has agreed a deal for conglomerate the Muthoot Pappachan Group to become its title sponsor.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Economic Times newspaper said MPG has signed an initial one-year contract, with an option to renew up to five years.

Thomas George Muthoot, director of the Muthoot Pappachan Group, said: “Through this partnership, Muthoot Pappachan Group aims to encourage the current crop of young talent and shape them into future football stars of the country and also build a stronger connect with the new generation.”

The inaugural ISL, which last month secured motorcycle manufacturer Hero MotoCorp as its title sponsor on a three-year deal, will launch on October 12 and run until December 20.

Kerala Blasters, one of eight teams due to take part in the debut season, have signed former England international goalkeeper David James as their marquee player.