From late-night screenings to fan clubs, here’s why India is hooked to the EPL.
When you think of sports in India, cricket dominates every conversation. But over the past decade, the English Premier League (EPL) has quietly built a loyal fan base in the country. Every Saturday night, thousands of young Indians gather around TV screens, laptops, and even projectors at local cafés to watch their favorite clubs in action. What makes Premier League weekends so special for Indian football fans? Let’s dive in.
Global Superstars, Local Passion
From Mohamed Salah’s lightning runs to Erling Haaland’s unstoppable goals, the EPL is home to football’s biggest superstars. Indian fans proudly wear their team jerseys — whether it’s Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, or Liverpool — and passionately defend their heroes on and off the field. For many, these players are as iconic as Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma.
Late-Night Screening Culture
Because of the time difference, most EPL matches kick off late at night in India. Instead of being a problem, this has become a tradition. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru, cafés and pubs host live screenings, turning matches into social festivals. College hostels, too, often echo with chants of “Glory Glory Man United” or “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” The weekend truly feels incomplete without it.
Fantasy Leagues & Fan Engagement
Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has added a whole new dimension to the experience. Millions of Indian fans spend hours tweaking their line-ups, choosing captains, and competing with friends. The rise of sports apps like Dream11 has also made fans emotionally invested — every goal, assist, or yellow card can change their points tally. Watching football has become more interactive than ever.
Social Media Rivalries
If you’ve been on Twitter, Instagram, or Reddit during an EPL weekend, you’ll know the banter is endless. Manchester United vs. Arsenal debates, Liverpool vs. Chelsea memes — these rivalries spill beyond the stadium and into Indian timelines. For many fans, half the fun lies in these digital battles, where creativity, humor, and passion combine.
Football’s Growth in India
The popularity of EPL weekends also shows how football is growing as a sport in India. With the Indian Super League (ISL) gaining momentum, local fans are exposed to the global football culture more than ever before. Watching the Premier League inspires young Indian players, while fan clubs in cities regularly organize meetups, charity drives, and community events around their favorite teams.
Conclusion
For Indian fans, Premier League weekends are more than just late-night games — they are about belonging to a global football community. From jerseys and chants to memes and fantasy leagues, the EPL has become an integral part of youth culture in India. And as football continues to rise in popularity, the roar of English stadiums will keep echoing in Indian living rooms.
