Igor Stimac mulls call-ups for I-League players to future Indian football team camps

League scheduling conflicts prevented I-League players from joining March’s international break.

In the wake of the Indian football team‘s unexpected defeat to Afghanistan in the second round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, a palpable sense of disappointment has permeated the fanbase and football community at-large. This setback has reignited discussions about the selection criteria for the national team, particularly the absence of I-League players during pivotal matches.

Khel Now’s investigations into this matter, involving discussions with individuals close to the developments, have shed light on the situation. A key issue identified is the scheduling conflict with the I-League, which, unlike the ISL, does not pause for international breaks. This discrepancy has prevented selected I-League players from participating in the national team, especially for the India U-23 team’s international friendlies against Malaysia in March 2024, as their clubs were unable to release them due to ongoing league commitments.

Looking ahead, the Indian football team faces a crucial match against Kuwait on June 6, 2024. This encounter is a must-win for the Blue Tigers to progress to the third round of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. With both the ISL and I-League seasons concluding by then, the national team’s head coach is reportedly planning a four-week training camp to prepare. It is during this camp that top performers from the I-League are expected to be called-up, recognizing their potential to contribute to the national team.

This situation underscores the need for the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to consider scheduling adjustments that align with international breaks. Such changes would ensure that talented players from all domestic leagues have the opportunity to represent India, without structural hindrances impacting their selection. Fans and stakeholders alike are calling on the AIFF to address this issue, fostering a more inclusive and flexible approach to national team selection and strengthening the overall framework of Indian football.

One area where the Indian football team could significantly benefit from the inclusion of I-League players is the forward line. The senior team has faced challenges in scoring goals, a situation compounded by the fact that many national team forwards do not occupy attacking positions at their ISL clubs. In contrast, the I-League has been a fertile ground for developing striking talent.

Unlike in the ISL, where Indian players often find themselves sidelined from the No. 9 role in favour of foreign strikers, I-League clubs have shown a greater propensity to trust local forwards with goalscoring responsibilities.

For instance, Mohammedan Sporting’s David Lalhlansanga has made an impressive mark with 11 goals in 22 appearances across the I-League and the Durand Cup. Similarly, Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia has netted 15 goals and three assists in just 18 I-League matches this season and has written his name in the history books by breaking the record for scoring the most goals by an Indian footballer in a single season of the I-League. The record was previously jointly held by iconic Indian players Sunil Chhetri and Mohammed Rafi.

Despite their commendable performances, these promising talents have not yet received a call-up for the national team’s preliminary squad or training camps, a missed opportunity to assess their potential contribution to addressing the senior team’s goalscoring woes.