Blackburn Rovers to face Pune FC on July 22

In the end English Premier League team Blackburn Rovers will play a friendly match while in India. On July 22 the Rovers will take play I-League side Pune FC at the Balewadi Sports Complex. The kick-off hasn't been finalised, but a 19.00 IST start looks likely with up to 10,000 tickets to be made available for the game.

The game will be the first ever match-up between an Indian club side and English Premier League team and as one would expect at PFC they are proud at the given opportunity.

The Blackburn Rovers, owned by Indian poultry giant Venky's, are set to tour India next week as the first visit by a Premiership team to India and they will not only play Pune FC but also start some grassroots work in India.

About the upcoming match Pune FC Director Nandan Piramal said, "The game is a landmark encounter for Indian football fans and we are happy to be part of this treat both - Rovers and we have lined up."

"We are equally excited and honoured to be the first team from India to play this game that revolves around inscribing history. The match provides a golden opportunity for fans to not let go of this once in a life time chance," Nandan Piramal added.

The likes of the likes of Chris Samba, Paul Robinson, David Dunn, Brett Emerton, David Hoilett, Jason Roberts, Morten Gamst Pedersen, Michel Salgado, Martin Olsson, Steven Nzonzi and Ryan Nelsen could face Pune FC, which will provide fans a mix of home and international stars.

For Derrick Pereira coached Pune FC it will be their first pre-season game and they are set to field a number of their new signings for the upcoming 2011/12 season and are confident to brace up to the EPL challenge.