Allowing Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and People of Indian Origin (PIO) players to represent the national football team could provide an immediate lift, but it should not be viewed as a complete solution to Indian football’s challenges, according to AFC Executive Committee member Shaji Prabhakaran.

With growing discussions around the inclusion of overseas-based Indian-origin players, Prabhakaran welcomed the All India Football Federation’s initiative and the Sports Ministry’s efforts to explore a policy framework. However, he stressed that the move must be backed by a comprehensive long-term plan focused on strengthening the sport from the grassroots.

“The OCI/PIO issue has become big because the fans see this as the only way we will be able to compete. There are possibilities once the government comes up with policy in terms of whether it is going to be a sports passport or whatever, in short term it will definitely help,” Prabhakaran told PTI.

He noted that while India currently has only a limited number of players competing at the highest levels of global football, tapping into overseas talent could help improve the national team’s competitiveness over the next few years, particularly at the Asian level.

“But we have to also understand that there are not many Indians playing at the top level in the global football. What can happen is in three to four years, we can take their services and perform better at the Asian level to begin with and show that we can also compete at the top level. Ultimately, we have to work hard at the grassroots and youth level,” he said.

Prabhakaran, who served as the AIFF General Secretary until 2023, suggested that the integration of OCI and PIO players should begin at the Under-17 level in both the men’s and women’s teams, creating a steady pathway to the senior squads over the next decade.

“We have to take them from under 17 to the senior in both men and women and that is where we will have the pipeline for next 10 years. That way the PIO/OCIs will strengthen our foundation,” he said.

While acknowledging the benefits of overseas talent, Prabhakaran cautioned against expecting immediate success.

“PIOs can change the image of the national team a bit but it will be still difficult to get a medal. Even we have 11 PIO/OCIs playing, we will not get into the medal situation, that’s the fact. But what we are going to do by having them for next 10-15 years with a blueprint is about showing that India has the potential and that can lead to complete transformation,” he said.

He added that attracting overseas Indian-origin players would require a well-planned strategy, saying they would not join in significant numbers simply because eligibility rules are relaxed. Instead, India must create an appealing system that encourages them to integrate with the country’s football structure.