New Delhi: He has no qualms in admitting that football is nowhere near cricket on the popularity chart in India but the iconic Sachin Tendulkar says the country cannot wait to host the U-17 FIFA World Cup as the sport's following has increased post the Indian Super League.


Sachin Tendulkar. Pic/Bipin Kokate

Tendulkar, who co-owns the Kerala Blasters team in the ISL, asserted that football's popularity is on the upswing in the cricket-obsessed country. "Absolutely massive. Everyone is looking forward to it, everyone is excited and the guys are waiting to welcome the World Cup to India. It's going to be massive, it's good for India because people are appreciating ISL and FIFA coming to India is a big, big thing," Tendulkar was quoted as saying by 'fifa.com'.