Let’s play fatafati football— Sourav’s message for his Atletico boys through t2

Sourav Ganguly loves lounging on his sofa. When he gets time that is. With Atletico de Kolkata, the Calcutta franchise of the Indian Super League (a football tourney on the lines of IPL), playing Mumbai City FC at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 12, lounge time is at a premium. Dada chatted with t2 in his vanity van after a couple of gruelling hours under the sun for a team promotional on Thursday afternoon at Salt Lake Stadium.

The last time we met in April, the Indian Super League had just been born. Then you left for England, came back, joined the CAB administration (as joint secretary) and now ISL is about to kick off. Don’t you wish for 72-hour days?

I am struggling actually… struggling for time. This is the first year and it needs all my time. We’ll see how it goes. I just make sure that I am at places where I am needed. The rest of the day takes its own course. I give time to ISL whenever I am required. Utsav (Parekh; co-owner) does a great job. They have a good team. I am looking more at the promotional side. They are looking to get the stadium ready. So, everyone has his own job.

The many moods of Sourav:Salt Lake Stadium had a special guest on its greens on Thursday at noon. Dada stepped out of his vanity van 10 minutes to 12 in Atletico de Kolkata colours and kicked, posed with and tossed the football under the scorching sun for close to two hours before heading for a lunch break. The “introductory” one-and-a-half-minute TVC has Sourav sporting a “rugged” look. “This is to introduce the team. If you ask Sourav what’s great about this one event of his, he says, ‘dreams do come true’,” said director Riingo who is helming the Atletico de Kolkata campaign. Riingo and his team have already shot on the Maidan with kids and a shoot with the players is coming up.

What does your role entail?

Just to make sure that we are visible everywhere… make sure that the crowd comes in. They make sure that the infrastructure is ready… the stadium, licence, police….

How difficult was it to squeeze in this shoot, considering your schedule?

It’s not difficult. I was in Bombay on Tuesday shooting for ISL, the main film with Sachin (Tendulkar) and Abhishek (Bachchan). [Sachin and Abhishek are ISL team owners too.] On Sunday, I was in Delhi for some work. I am shooting here on September 29 with the players. My own personal work has gone for a toss, but that’s okay. We have to give everything we have. I attended the Mudgal [a panel headed by Justice (retd) Mukul Mudgal that is probing IPL-related betting and spot-fixing allegations) meeting too.

How much are you involved in the team composition?

I am involved but I leave it to the coaches. They are better equipped than I am.

Don’t you have your favourites?

No… I don’t know anyone. That’s the problem…. I don’t know the current generation that much. For auctions, you have to prepare and take it as it comes. Same problem with IPL. I was in touch with the team during the auctions. We are all together on WhatsApp! So, we share photos and everything. I don’t believe in names. I believe in quality.

How do you think the team has shaped up?

They are training… so, haven’t seen them. They had asked me to go from England to Spain (where Team Atletico de Kolkata was training). I just couldn’t make time.

Have you had the chance to talk football with Sachin Tendulkar or Abhishek Bachchan or Ranbir Kapoor?

They are all excited but it is a new territory. So, we have to wait and see. I am in touch with Mrs Nita Ambani (chairperson of IMG-Reliance, the co-promoters of ISL). She is pretty anxious. It’s not cricket… everybody knows about cricket. I haven’t talked football with Sachin over the years because both of us were so involved in the game (cricket). I haven’t met Ranbir, but he is one of my favourite actors. We will play at D.Y. Patil stadium with them. Abhishek told me about his team (Jaipur Pink Panthers) winning the Pro Kabaddi. They are all coming to Calcutta on October 12 for the inaugural ceremony.

What is the mood in the owners’ camp?

They are all running around to get things going… police, government. It is a new thing for everyone. So, it will settle down after the first year once we get an idea of what’s happening. It’s trial and error at the moment. Once the first year goes by, they will also have an idea of how to run sports.

How challenging has this journey been?

Everything in life is a challenge. You’ve got to create a team and make it work. Now is the tough bit though to get it going, establish it, see how people react to it. Let’s say, fingers crossed.

A packed Salt Lake Stadium must be on your mind?

I think people will come… they’ll come. My message would be come and support and watch good football. We are doing bucket seats. We are making it comfortable for the crowd so that they can enjoy. There will be entertainment and food. And good football.

What are your Puja plans?

I’ll spend it at home. It’ll be an opportunity to rest! [An Atletico de Kolkata official steps into his vanity van. “Sana (Sourav and Dona’s 12-year-old daughter) keo ekta (jersey) baniye diyo!” Dada tells him]. She is excited. I am just hoping that she doesn’t start demanding (jerseys) for her friends. She was excited about IPL too. It was the only time she saw me play, though. Before that she was too small.

Since ISL has happened, how will you balance your TV and other commitments?

They are all going on! (Smiles) And hopefully they will meet at one end! (Laughs)

What will be your priorities in the coming two months?

Football and cricket. West Indies (tour of India in October) is coming up. I will be travelling with the team sometime. I am not feeling like a team owner… happy to be where I am… I just want the team to do well.