Bhaichung is striving to make ILeague a success

Indian Football Legend Hopes for I League success after an successful ISL season

Baichung Butia, who is ready to feature for a last time in the I league as he prepares himself to get ready for the challenging season ahead. The former Indian captain hopes the grand success of ISL will help the I League some much deserved lime light.

Speaking to the media he said:

"It has definitely been a better success than what I thought it would be, in terms of at least the crowd. It has been very positive and the numbers (spectators) have been quite outstanding. Even (in terms of) the quality of the game as well, it has been good,"

"I think with ISL, I-League is going to get more (exciting among fans). I played in the I-League and own a club in the I-League (Sikkim United). With ISL, people are going to see what is happening in I-League now as they will want to see what players like Subrata (Paul) are doing. I-League will benefit from the ISL. I feel that strongly," he said.

"People will start looking at what Sandesh Jhingan is doing, where is he playing. Where is Romeo (Fernandes) playing. Fans would want to see these players. They would want to see more of Sandesh Jhingan, more of Romeo Fernandes, more of Subrata Paul.

"In that (process) they will see I-League also. Otherwise earlier they were not caring much. I am hoping that the I-League will benefit,".

The 'Sikkimese Sniper', said it will be difficult for I-League to compete with ISL as there are many restrictions in the domestic football league.

"I-League would always be there but it's difficult for I-League to compete as it is a recognized tournament by the AIFF, AFC and also with the FIFA. So you have got certain rules. Certain rules like you can't play (as many) foreigners," the former national captain said.

"So it's definitely going to struggle in terms of quality. If you bring in six foreigners in playing XI, the game definitely is different.

"Also when you bring in players like (Alessandro) Del Piero and (Robert) Pires, obviously the Indian public would want to watch all big names as well and with that if can also have five or six Indian players playing, nothing like it.

"It's also good that it's not only all about foreign (players). If people complain that it is only becoming (a league with more) foreign players (my answer is) then come and watch I-League," the 38-year-old footballer added.