Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia said cricket in India is popular because of the team’s excellent show.

Anything in cricket will sell in the country because of its popularity, he said referring to the huge following for the cash-rich Indian Premier League.

“Tomorrow if I’m given a post in BCCI, I would be able to do a good job (and market the sport). It’s not very difficult.

“But, if I’m asked to do the same in AIFF, it would be difficult.

“IPL is obviously going to succeed because cricket in India is huge. I think whatever you do in cricket is bound to sell and get sponsors. The point is unless the national team does well, be it football or any other sport, it will never able to do well.” the national striker said.

“If we don’t have a good national cricket team and if we keep losing matches and then if we have IPL, the fan following will drop,” Bhaichung said. “The environment plays a big role. In England football is very big … Everybody there is quite serious about football. Seeing the environment, you really get motivated. They also have the facilities and backing up to support you to go further. That’s a big big factor,” he said.

Asked about his dream, he said “It was not possible this season. But I really want to win the I-League for Mohun Bagan.”