New Delhi, June 9: A potential policy reversal by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has reignited hopes that Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) may soon don the Indian jersey on the global sporting stage.
If implemented, the move could provide a much-needed boost to Indian football and tennis—sports that are currently struggling to keep pace internationally.
The buzz began after reports surfaced that the ministry was revisiting a 2008 decision that barred OCI and PIO athletes from representing India in international competitions.
The original policy mandated that only Indian passport holders could be selected, effectively shutting the door on a string of promising athletes with Indian heritage but foreign nationalities.
The ruling was upheld by the Delhi High Court in 2010 after a legal challenge by squash player Karm Kumar.
Though past discussions around this rule have often fizzled out, renewed interest appears to be gaining momentum, particularly within football circles.
The timing couldn’t be more critical.
With Indian football in a rebuilding phase and ranked 127th in the FIFA world rankings, the national team is facing a drought of quality forwards. So dire was the situation that head coach Manolo Marquez reportedly convinced Sunil Chhetri to come out of retirement in March 2025 to lead the line during the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, just months after the legendary striker had announced his international exit.
In this context, allowing talented OCI players to represent India could fill immediate gaps and raise the competitive standard.
AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey confirmed ongoing discussions with the sports ministry and expressed optimism that a change in eligibility could be on the horizon.
“We’ve had a series of meetings with the ministry over the last 18 months,” Chaubey said recently. “I’m hopeful we will see OCI players in the national team soon.
The process is long, but the intent is positive.”
Former AIFF general secretary Shaji Prabhakaran believes that the inclusion of the right overseas talent could improve the senior men’s team by up to 20 percent and potentially benefit the women’s and youth sides even more.
However, he also cautioned against an over-dependence on such talent, warning that structural development must remain the top priority.
“This isn’t a magic bullet,” Prabhakaran said. “OCI players can give a short-term lift, but long-term success lies in grassroots investments. We are a nation of 1.4 billion people—our primary focus should be on nurturing local talent.”
The debate gained fresh momentum in 2023 when English footballer Yan Dhanda, who plays for Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership, expressed his desire to represent India. The conversation was amplified when former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand endorsed Dhanda on social media, tagging Indian football officials and calling attention to the midfielder’s performances.
Dhanda welcomed the support but pointed out a major hurdle—India does not allow dual citizenship. “Giving up my UK passport would limit my playing options in Europe,” he said. “Allowing OCI cards in line with global standards would let me represent India while retaining my professional career.”
Similar sentiments have emerged from other foreign-born players of Indian descent. Veteran English defender Danny Batth, who plays for Blackburn Rovers, has openly stated his interest in playing for India. Despite having never represented England at the senior level, he would be eligible under FIFA rules if Indian policy were amended.
Meanwhile, neighbouring countries are already making strides. In 2024, Hamza Choudhury, a former England U-21 international of Bangladeshi heritage, opted to represent Bangladesh after acquiring citizenship. He made an immediate impact during the AFC Asian Cup qualifier against India, helping his team secure a goalless draw in Shillong.
In contrast, India has been hesitant to tap into its overseas talent pool. While nations like China have actively naturalised foreign-born players to boost their squads, India has so far refrained—even when athletes are technically eligible under FIFA guidelines due to their ancestry.
Sports such as swimming, basketball, and athletics are also likely to benefit if the proposed changes go through, given the increasing number of high-performing athletes of Indian origin abroad. However, a spokesperson from the Sports Authority of India declined to comment, saying the matter was “too premature” to speculate on.
In sum, while the wheels of bureaucracy turn slowly, momentum is building. If the policy change does materialise, it could not only transform Indian football’s fortunes but also send a signal that India is ready to reimagine its sporting ecosystem—one that includes the global Indian diaspora as an active partner in its rise. (Agencies)
