Indian-origin basketball players on National Team? BFI Selection Chief Clears the Air

The issue of Indian-origin players has recently gained traction in football and tennis, with the Sports Ministry reportedly considering allowing the same.

In a candid conversation about the future of Indian basketball, Shakti Sinh Gohil, Chairman of the Basketball Federation of India’s (BFI) Selection Committee, acknowledged the growing interest from Indian-origin players abroad and expressed openness to including them in the national team, provided they hold an Indian passport.

While the issue of Indian-origin players has recently gained traction in football and tennis, with the Sports Ministry reportedly considering allowing the same, it remains relatively under-discussed in basketball.

Speaking exclusively to Ekalavyas back in 2024, Gohil had agreed that having high-level players from the Indian diaspora — like former NBA player Sim Bhullar —could transform the national team’s performance. “If we had two such players, our team could reach the semi-finals. There’s a strong chance. But the passport is the key. Without it, they cannot play,” he said.

‘Foreign Players can make a difference’

Gohil said, “As per Government of India rules, you must hold an Indian passport to play for the national team.” He acknowledged the broader issue, citing examples from West Asian countries: “In countries like Saudi and Jordan, they keep foreign players. But the key point is that they get passports from those countries. That’s the main difference.”

He also clarified that there is currently no formal debate or movement within the federation to change the rules, though the matter has been discussed informally. “We’ve talked about it twice—what can be done if such players are willing. But unless they have Indian passports, they’re not eligible,” he said.

‘Will Approach Sports Ministry’

When asked if federations like the BFI could consider requesting the Union Government to allow dual citizenship or create a pathway for naturalising elite athletes, Gohil appeared receptive. “That’s a good suggestion. It hasn’t been tried yet, but since you’ve mentioned it, I’ll keep it in mind,” he said. “If it’s possible, we’ll talk to the Government. The new Sports Minister is from Bhavnagar—my hometown—so I’ll try to speak to him directly.”

As Indian basketball continues to develop, the inclusion of high-calibre diaspora talent could be a game-changer. But unless policy shifts occur at the national level, the passport barrier will remain a defining obstacle.

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