Utility man sings praises of new tournament
Syed Nabi has waded in on the debate on the future of Indian football, The IMG-R contracted player feels that the proposed tournament will blow a new lease of life into Indian football, just like the IPL did with Cricket.
According to Goal.com India speaking to the Telegraph, he said:”You cannot ask for more. Everything is taken care of. In fact, I didn’t expect such a smooth beginning.
“Look! People are crying for something new. When the IPL got going in 2008, nobody thought it would be such a big hit. And look how this has changed cricket…I expect the new league to do the same to football. It will be a game-changer.”
The 27-year-old also hotly disputes the fact that the the importance and prestige of the I-League would be dissipated with an additional tournament: “Well I do not think so… Why should the clubs think I-League will be diluted… I-League has its own identity.
“You want me to believe Mohun Bagan and East Bengal’s importance will be diminished when the new tournament starts? Never…. I am confident the solution will be found very soon.”
India Coach Wim Koevermans has added another dimension to the issue,by leaving Nabi and other IMG-R contracted players out of the squad to play Tajikistan, citing a lack of match fitness.
Most of the National team have been training since the beginning of July,in comparison the IMG-R players only began a few days ago.