The Indian national team’s goalkeeper Subrata Paul has spoken out against the running of two separate football leagues in the country, saying the Indian Super League and the I-League should both be merged into one tournament. Asking the All India Football Federation(AIFF) to take the necessary steps urgently, he also added that having 15-16 teams in the domestic circuit could help many clubless yet talented footballers.
I would want to see I-League, ISL merge to create one league in the country which will go on for 10 months. It is really hectic for us to play in three places, ISL, I-League and also in national team. Also we also do not want ISL, I-League matches to clash with national team matches.Subrata Paul
He was however quick to shower praise on the Reliance-backed cash-rich league.
ISL has done the best thing to bring football in every household which was not found for last couple of years. Lot of players are jobless more than 300 players. Only nine I-League teams cannot fit all talented players. I request the sponsors and the federation to make it one league with 15 teams minimum and run it for entire year to attack more talented players who are jobless.Subrata Paul
The Mumbai City FC (ISL franchise) and I-League side DSK Shivajians FC goalkeeper said having star foreign names in ISL have made it a dream come true for the Indians players, who have got the opportunity to mix and share dressing room with the legends.
Our dreams have come true after playing ISL, just because we are getting to mix and know the star foreign players whom we have watched in tv. I have watched Nicolas Anelka (Mumbai City marquee-player-cum-manager) on TV, but sharing dressing room and getting to know a lot was a dream. So those star players if they come and stay for a longer time we will get to learn a lot more.Subrata Paul
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