Indian Premier League Soccer

India is all set for its first IPL style football tournament which is expected to kick off from February 25 and go on for seven weeks. Here is a look at the prominent names that were bought in the auction on January 30.

Robbie Fowler :

Who's he: England and Liverpool great who remains English Premier League's fourth highest goal scorer.
Base Price: $450,000
Franchise: Kolkata (Camellia Group)
Sold At: $530,000

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Egbeta

Who's he: Nigerian defender
Base Price: $100,000
Franchise: Kolkata (Camellia Group)
Sold At: $350,000

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Who's he: Costa Rica midfielder
Base Price: $100,000
Franchise: Kolkata (Camellia Group)
Sold At: $120,000

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Robert Pires

Who's he: This French midfielder is most remembered for his stint with Arsenal where he won three FA Cups and two EPL titles.
Base Price: $715,000
Franchise: Howrah (Syncsys Infotech)
Sold At: $800,000

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Rios

Who's he: Bolivia footballer who plays as a striker
Base Price: $140,000
Franchise: Howrah (Syncsys Infotech)
Sold At: $180,000

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Cannavarro

Who's he: This Italian centre-back player was one of the greatest defenders of his generation. He has played for Italian clubs Juventus, Inter Milan and Spanish club Real Madrid among others.
Base Price: $780,000
Franchise: Siliguri (Aajay Consultants)
Sold At: $830,000

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Quaranta

Who's he: He is an American winger who has previously played for David Beckham's club LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls and D.C. United.
Base Price: $180,000
Franchise: Siliguri (Aajay Consultants)
Sold At: $180,000

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Gutirez

Who's he: A Bolivian footballer known for his attacking play as a midfielder.
Base Price: $180,000
Franchise: Siliguri (Aajay Consultants)
Sold At: $180,000

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Madrigal

Who's he: Is a Costa Rican striker. He has played for Club de Fútbol de la Universidad de Costa Rica (UCR) in the Primera División, and now plays for Herediano.
Base Price: $120,000
Franchise: Howrah (Syncsys Infotech)
Sold At: $120,000

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Okocha

Who's he: A retired professional player from Nigeria who played for clubs like Bolton Wanderers and PSG.
Base Price: $550,000
Franchise: Durgapur (Tulip Infonet)
Sold At: $550,000

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Crespo

Who's he: An Argentine striker who plays for Parma in Serie A. In his career of 18 years, he has scored over 300 goals. Crespo once held the world record in transfer fee, when he was bought by Lazio from Parma in July 2000.
Base Price: $840,000
Franchise: Barasat (Uro Infra)
Sold At: $840,000

India is fast becoming a global destination for sport. After cricket and hockey, it is now soccer's turn if FIFA carries the vote for India to host the Under-17 World Cup in 2017.

The world body has asked the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to bid next month for the Under-17 World Cup. The FIFA executive committee will decide on the hosts in March.