Pune FC to finally host Blackburn in October

Pune: Blackburn Rovers, lying 18th in the Premier League table after six matches with only four points to show, are set to travel to India during the upcoming international break and play a historic exhibition game against Pune FC, an I-League side, on October 7 at the Shiv Chhatrapati Stadium, Pune.

With the final two rounds of matches in the EURO 2012 qualification set for October 8 and 12, the Premier League side shall keep their word of playing a game in India as promised in the summer.

Says Pune FC Director Nandan Piramal, "We are very happy to host them (Blackburn Rovers). The opportunity is great for the fans and on Pune FC's behalf I am happy to share this moment with the fans."

The last time around - July 22, 2011 - Blackburn Rovers were forced to cancel their tour at the last minute after the blasts in Mumbai, which saw them being advised not to travel to India.

Blackburn, owned by Indian poultry giants Venky's, had postponed their pre-season visit to Pune after three near-simultaneous bomb blasts during the evening rush hour in the country's financial capital killed more than 20 people.

The club will become the first Premier League side to tour the country during a break in the English fixtures for a friendly in Pune, about 200km from Mumbai, where the owners are based.

This first-of-its-kind encounter, involving an English Premier League against an Indian professional I-League club, comes after both managements struck upon the exact date this week.

"Security is paramount but so is our commitment to bringing Blackburn Rovers to India," Venky's director Balaji Rao said in a statement on Monday.

"And perhaps the visit now could not have been better timed. The club is riding on a high after its big win over Arsenal, and the players are eager to share the glory with their Indian fans."

Blackburn, who last won the Premier League in 1995, came back from behind to beat Arsenal 4-3 to pick up their first league win after a poor start to the season.

The English-based side's trip to this part of the Indian sub-continent will be the first ever by any Premier League squad. Pune FC will thus become the first Indian club to face a side from a league so passionately followed by the world.

The All India Football Federation (AIFF) has also given its clearance for the match after discussing with its marketing partners Reliance Industries-IMG.

The match will be held under lights but the kick-off time is yet to be finalised.

The supporters of the Lancashire-based club have voiced their opinion over manager Steve Kean being at the helm of affairs as their chief coach. How they shall react to their team, lying in the relegation zone, deciding to go on a promotional tour remains to be seen.