MS Dhoni, John Abraham may team up to own franchise in IPL-style football league

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who is nowadays promoting the English Premier League through TV commercials, could be soon seen cheering for his own team in upcoming Indian Premier League-style football league. Bollywood hunk John Abraham is reportedly set to partner Dhoni in this joint venture.

John is not the first Bollywood celebrity to show keen interest in the multi-million dollar football league. Recently, Kolkata Knight Riders owner Shah Rukh Khan also threw his weight behind the soccer tournament, saying he wishes to buy another Kolkata-based team.

According to sources, Dhoni and John, both crazy about bikes and football, may come together to buy a football franchise in the league, which is proposed by IMG-Reliance, the marketing and commercial partners of the All India Football Federation.

"John has already made his expression of interest to invest in the league and also plans to involve Dhoni in the venture," a source told a leading newspaper on Tuesday.

John, who starred in a 2007 Bollywood sports flick Dhan dana dhan Goal, has endorsed football for leading sports broadcasters, ESPN. It will not be surprising if the two close friends Dhoni and John team up for a common cause.

The IPL-style league is slated to be held between January 18 and March 30, 2014. The team auctions will be held in September. Each team will feature 22 players, with 10 foreign players, including a marquee player.

Each franchise will also include eight domestic players and four local players from the catchment area in the under-23 category. About 12-15 players will enter the marquee player pool.