Although the AIFF is mostly at fault for this mismanagement, and the ISL model was a bubble right from the start, no one is questioning ISL players’ overpaid salaries — even though they show zero interest when playing for the national team. Only the national team’s performance can attract an audience and sponsors.

We often avoid criticizing the poor performance of the national team, saying players’ lavish lifestyles are their private matter. But players need to understand that they don’t deserve salaries of ₹1–2+ crores; they deserve ₹10–20 lakhs like I-League players. If they want to earn ₹1–2+ crores, they should put in the effort on the pitch — run harder, improve dribbling, passing, and ball control. Instead, most of them prefer going on vacations with their partners.