I-League kicks off amid broadcast drama

The I-League’s 18th edition kicked off as scheduled on Friday, following a last-minute resolution to a broadcast impasse that had sparked a revolt by the participating clubs.

In the opening day’s fixtures, Gokulam Kerala FC secured a 3-2 away win over Sreenidi Deccan in Hyderabad while Inter Kashi emerged 1-0 winners over newly promoted SC Bengaluru after a 72nd-minute strike by Edmund Lalrindika at Kalyani, West Bengal.

Martin Chaves (60th), Ignacio Abelado (84th) and Tharpuia (90th 5th) helped Gokulam Kerala rally past Sreenidi Deccan who scored thorugh Lalromawia (40th) and David Castenada Munoz (90th 6th) in a thriller.

Budging to the demands of the 12 clubs a few hours before the slated kickoff, the All India Football Federation said that Sony Network will broadcast the league from the second round.

“All arrangements have been made to telecast on Sony from the second round,” a source said.

The clubs have agreed to pay 50 per cent of the broadcasting cost to Sony to cover the broadcast cost, apart from the Rs 7 lakh entry fee.

However, the first three match days will not be televised and will instead stream on SSEN, a newly launched OTT platform by Shrachi Sports, the entity initially awarded the broadcast rights.

Negotiations will now be underway between Sony and Shrachi Group to finalise a production arrangement for live telecasts.