Blackburn to be first Premier League team in India

Indian-owned Blackburn Rovers are set to become the first English Premier League side to play in India, taking part in an exhibition match in the southern city of Pune later this month. Blackburn, bought by Indian poultry giant Venky's in November, will meet Pune Football Club on July 22 during a pre-season tour of Asia. "The game is a landmark encounter for Indian football fans and we are happy to be part of this treat (that) both Rovers and we have lined up," Pune FC director Nandan Piramal said in a statement. The English club also recently announced they were planning to establish a youth academy near Pune, 100 kilometres (60 miles) from Mumbai. Blackburn manager Steve Kean said in April that the club would visit India as part of an Asian tour. From India, Blackburn will head to Hong Kong to play in the Premier League Asia Trophy at the end of July. Venky's takeover of the club, which won the Premier League title in 1995, provoked protest among fans, who criticised the new owners' lack of financial muscle and football experience. The sacking of manager Sam Allardyce further antagonised critics and the club struggled on the pitch last season, finishing three positions off the relegation zone. Kean has said that the new owners are committed to the long-term future of the club.