Sachin Tendulkar steals the show at ISL opening ceremony

KOLKATA: The presence of biggies from Bollywood, sports and business world notwithstanding, it was Sachin Tendulkar who stole the show at the gala opening ceremony of the Indian Super League.

As he walked into the grounds of the Yuva Bharati Krirangan stadium here, the legendary cricketer got a standing ovation from the 68000 spectators present there.

Just like it used to happen at the Eden Gardens during his cricketing career, the crowd cheered him and chanted 'Sachin, Sachin' as if he was going to bat once again for Team India.

Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra introduced Tendulkar to the crowd saying he is "the greatest sporting legend of our country".

After addressing him as "Sachin sir", Chopra also joined the crowd in cheering him.

Bengal's favourite son and former Team India captain Sourav Ganguly, actors Hrithik Roshan, Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, John Abraham and industrialists Mukesh Ambani and others were present.

Team India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who co-owns Chennai team and Virat Kohli, who co-owns the Goan team were however not at the stadium to represent their teams at the inaugural ceremony.