How Indian football has changed since the inception of ISL

Since its inception in 2014, the league drew immense media attention, and foreign talents began participating. Indian players have also found a platform to showcase their talent and opportunities to improve their game. 

In addition, it has supported players financially, changing the pre-existing views about its prospects as a career. Having completed eight seasons with increasing success, we'd like to state how this revolutionary league has impacted Indian football. 

Strategic international partnerships

The most popular league of Indian football has been a breeding ground for international strategic partnerships with Atletico Madrid, City Football Group and others.

In 2020, Hyderabad FC partnered with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund for two years with an option to extend till 2025, although the former was only a year old. 

Bengaluru FC has collaborated with Scottish champions Rangers to improve youth football and grassroots in the country. In 2020, FC Goa curated a strategic partnership with RB Leipzig for "youth development" slated to continue till 2023. 

In 2019, Mumbai City was named the eighth member of the City Football Group (GCF). They bought a 65% stake in the Mumbai-based club, which turned out to be the most significant investment in Indian football. 

Commercialization and international standard broadcast

Once the ISL set its sail, the involvement of corporate funding and non-footballing celebrities like Bollywood stars and cricketers was substantial, improving its public infrastructure. 

The quality of broadcast and presentation in Indian football competitions has also reached new heights. The broadcast on the Star Sports Network and Hotstar had maximum outreach in the Indian subcontinent. 

A worldwide partnership with German football media company, Onefootball to broadcast the ISL in over 200 countries across the globe (excluding the Indian subcontinent) also added to its growth. 

Prominent International stars on Indian shores

When the league took off for the first time, players like Robert Pires, Alessandro Del Piero, Roberto Carlos, David Trezeguet, Diego Forlan and other stars signed up for it. 

Although these players stayed for relatively brief spells or were at the twilight of their careers, their presence set the base for the league and has only grown since then. 

Initially, there were more African and Brazilian players in the league. Still, European players have been signing deals now, and the entry of Florentin Pogba from Ligue 2 club FC Sochaux to ATK Mohun Bagan is one such example.

Emphasis on elite fitness

Football players have drastically changed their lifestyles and are focusing on maintaining a healthy diet. They are expected to follow their fitness routine diligently, resulting in players becoming faster and more robust. Their endurance level has also increased, helping them keep their opponents under their wing. 

Developed a professional set-up

Before the 2019/20 season, I-League was the most popular league in the country. Now that the ISL has replaced the I-league, it is also set to introduce the concept of promotion-relegation.

The Indian football calendar has a pre-season tournament in Durand Cup, a three-division league system and a cup tournament (Super Cup).