ISL Should Raise Minimum Number of Indians on Starting Roster

Too many foreigners in the starting lineups of ISL teams won't do much to help the growth of quality talent in India. By requiring just five Indians on the field during a match, the requirements aren't accomplishing what the league was meant to. And that's developing Indian youth to help the nation become a power down the road.

"I think the difference with Japan was that they didn't bring in too many foreign players," Zico, a former Japan national coach, said.

"In my opinion at the ISL it's not too good to have too many foreigners playing. The minimum of 5 Indian players is too less in my opinion. Since it's the ISL, we have to encourage more Indian football,"

By requiring just five, most teams will of course have six internationals on the field to have the best shot at winning the match. However, the goal of the league is to improve Indian junior so that the nation can be a power in the near future. Player development requires playing time!

Up the number to 8, have only three internationals and force Indian talent to improve.