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Former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia analysed every round of the first day of the Indian Super League domestic draft but while addressing the media the Sikkimese Sniper was asked questions regarding the future of the I-League.
Bhutia believes the way forward for I-League clubs is to get involved with the ISL like Shillong Lajong and Dempo have already done and Bengaluru FC and Pune FC are set to follow.
“The I-League definitely has a future. It is the most important competition as it runs for a longer period but I see a lot of opportunities for I-League clubs to tie up with ISL. I can’t say that ISL will change Indian football immediately but such is the state of our sport now, it can only get better with the ISL. There is a huge buzz about the ISL and people are waiting for it to start, something which doesn’t happen with the I-League,” he said.
The Indian football icon further pointed out that the AIFF cannot be blamed solely for the decline of the I-League.
“We can’t put the blame on the AIFF alone. Everybody involved with the I-League has to take responsibility, not just the clubs but the state associations also. Last year AIFF allowed franchise teams to enter directly into the I-League but only one bid was received, which was disappointing. There has been already a great coverage of the ISL and we need more from the media. I am sure more people will be coming to watch the ISL unlike the I-League,” India’s second highest scorer at international level stated.
Bhaichung added that the ISL will help popularise the game in the country and encourage more youngsters to take up the sport.
“I am sure more kids will watch the ISL and they will be influenced to take up the sport as a profession. The coverage will be better and people will be able to come to the ground and enjoy the game. The ISL will create stars in Indian football,” he concluded.
