After an enthralling press conference following India’s 4-0 triumph over Hong Kong, which qualified them for the AFC Asian Cup, coach Igor Stimac discussed other concerns that he believes need to be addressed quickly for the future of Indian football.
The Blue Tigers won three games in a row under Stimac, defeating Cambodia, Afghanistan, and Hong Kong to qualify for the continental event for the first time in two editions.
Both the ISL and the IPL are currently broadcast on the same platform, which is Star.
“India is privileged to have a sport as popular as cricket, but shouldn’t be fearful of another sport becoming as popular,” Stimac said when told about the IPL bidding rights for the next five years, which totaled over $6 billion. And to do so, they’ll have to let football in. It will not happen otherwise. “Cricket should not detract from football.”
Better communication between ISL teams in terms of releasing players for national camps is something Stimac has been attempting to convey since his first press conference in May 2019 and until now. In addition, he advocated for extended national camps.
“Because of the ISL, India will not fall in love with Indian football.” Only the Croatian national team will be able to do so, according to the Croatian.
The Indian squad, as well as support personnel, arrived in Bellary on April 23 and trained there until May 8. The contingent then relocated to Calcutta, the host city for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers, to continue the training camp until the qualifiers were completed and the results were known.
After their various club obligations, only players from Mumbai City FC and ATK Mohun Bagan joined the camp.
