AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey's recent statements regarding potential rule changes in the Indian Super League (ISL) to address the shortage of Indian strikers have sparked significant discussion within the nation's footballing community. Speaking at a media conference in New Delhi on Friday, Chaubey emphasized the critical need to increase playing time for Indian strikers to strengthen the national team. However, he also acknowledged the complex dynamics involved, stating that any decision to alter the existing regulations would ultimately rest with the stakeholders of the ISL.
Chaubey highlighted the concerning lack of goal-scoring prowess and the scarcity of proficient strikers as major impediments to the progress of Indian football. He pointed out that ISL clubs often prioritize foreign players in attacking positions, limiting opportunities for Indian talent to develop and gain experience in crucial roles. This reliance on foreign strikers, while potentially beneficial for the league's competitiveness, inadvertently hinders the growth of domestic players who aspire to represent the nation on the international stage.
The AIFF President articulated a potential solution, suggesting that allowing fewer foreign players in the ISL could create more space for Indian strikers to showcase their abilities. He clarified that he could not unilaterally enforce such a change, as it falls under the purview of the ISL stakeholders. Nevertheless, Chaubey expressed his willingness to support any decision that prioritizes the development of Indian strikers, emphasizing that the interests of the national team should be paramount.
Chaubey's comments reflect a growing concern about India's over-reliance on veteran forward Sunil Chhetri and the absence of a clear succession plan. The national team's struggles to find the back of the net in recent matches have underscored the urgent need to cultivate a new generation of Indian strikers capable of leading the line. This issue was further highlighted after India’s loss to Hong Kong in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers Round 3, conceding a goal in the 94th minute.
In addition to potential rule changes in the ISL, Chaubey also revealed the AIFF's efforts to integrate Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) players into the national team setup. He announced that the federation is actively working on policies to enable talented players of Indian origin residing abroad to represent the country. The AIFF has reportedly contacted 33 players eligible for OCI cards, with some already receiving them and others in the process of obtaining them. Chaubey believes that tapping into the talent pool of OCI players could provide a significant boost to the national team, particularly in addressing the striker crisis.
Furthermore, Chaubey mentioned plans to bring in a World Cup-winning striker to train and mentor a select group of U-23 players, aiming to hone their goal-scoring instincts and improve their shooting skills. This initiative underscores the AIFF's commitment to investing in youth development and creating pathways for young talents to emerge and contribute to the national team's success.
The AIFF president also addressed criticism from various stakeholders, including former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia, who had described the Indian football system as "rotten." Chaubey acknowledged that systemic issues persist, particularly in striker development, and reiterated the federation's commitment to addressing these challenges through comprehensive and sustainable solutions. He also highlighted long-term development plans, including expanding the AIFF-FIFA Academy model to strengthen the youth pipelines.
Ultimately, Chaubey's statements underscore the AIFF's recognition of the pressing need to address the shortage of Indian strikers and strengthen the national team. While potential rule changes in the ISL remain a subject of debate among stakeholders, the AIFF's commitment to exploring all available options, including integrating OCI players and investing in youth development, signals a proactive approach to tackling this critical issue. The coming months will be crucial in determining the specific measures that will be implemented to address the striker crisis and propel Indian football forward.
