Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 6: Indian footballers have welcomed the opportunity to face five-time world champions Brazil in a landmark international friendly but expressed concern over the uncertain domestic football calendar, saying the timing of the fixture is far from ideal.

Defender Rahul Bheke described the match as a dream opportunity for every footballer but said it comes at a time when Indian football is grappling with uncertainty over the start of the Indian Super League (ISL) and the status of several clubs.

Calling it a "huge privilege" to play Brazil, Bheke said he was excited about the occasion but felt it was happening at the wrong time as players still do not know when the ISL season will begin or what the league will eventually look like.

He pointed to delays in the domestic season and uncertainty surrounding clubs such as Jamshedpur FC, Inter Kashi and Diamond Harbour, saying that while hosting Brazil is a positive development, the current circumstances raise serious concerns.

Chennaiyin FC defender Pritam Kotal echoed Bheke's views, saying the match would be an unforgettable experience but acknowledged that many players would enter the fixture without adequate competitive match practice.

Kotal noted that only players featuring in the ongoing Durand Cup would have recent competitive minutes, while many ISL clubs, including his own, are not participating in the tournament, making it difficult for players to remain match-ready.

Mumbai City FC midfielder Brandon Fernandes also admitted that the lack of regular competition posed a challenge but said professional players must stay disciplined and maintain their fitness despite the absence of competitive fixtures.

Former India international and Football Players' Association of India (FPAI) president Mehrajuddin Wadoo said restoring stability to Indian football should take precedence over the high-profile friendly.

According to Wadoo, strengthening the domestic league and improving the overall standard of Indian football must remain the primary focus. While welcoming Brazil's visit, he warned that playing one of the world's strongest teams without sufficient match fitness would be extremely challenging.

He also cautioned that the ongoing administrative uncertainty and delayed league season could damage the international reputation of Indian football, as visiting teams and global observers would notice the lack of a stable domestic competition.

Bheke, meanwhile, expressed hope that the domestic season would soon return to normal, allowing players to compete in a full campaign with sufficient matches to maintain their performance levels and continue their development.