ISL 2017: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif to kick-off opening match in Kochi

Since its inception, the Indian Super League (ISL) has been rising in popularity. From cricketers to celebrities alike, everyone turns to football during the ISL to watch the breath-taking matches.

Celebrities like John Abraham, Abhishek Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar, who are also the co-owners of different franchises, are frequently seen attending ISL matches.

The league is also trying to take football to the next level in our country by promoting the sport in rural areas through celebrities. Due to this, ISL was able to reach record viewership of 216 million last season. The final match between Atletico de Kolkata and Kerala Blasters FC last season, was viewed by 41 million fans on television, according to a release by BARC CS4+, U+R viewership final ratings.

Now, even the Tiger of Bollywood i.e. Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif are tempted to be a part of this spectacle. ISL has roped in Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif for this season's opening ceremony in Kochi.

It's a win-win situation for both the celebrity pair, and ISL, as the tournament would benefit from the humongous popularity of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, and whereas the celebrity pair will be able to promote their upcoming blockbuster 'Tiger Zinda Hai'.

.@BeingSalmanKhan and Katrina Kaif will team up to kick-off Hero ISL 2017-18 in Kochi on November 17th at 7:15 PM! #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/rKZUMihXwD

— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) November 6, 2017

Salman and Katrina will not be the only ones in the spotlingt, on the opening day of Hero ISL, as their entrance will be followed by a riveting encounter between Kerela Blasters and ATK. Its a double treat for all the football and Bollywood fans out there. It looks like a blockbuster night awaits us on 17th November in Kochi.