Another player of Indian origin is prepared to make the ultimate commitment to represent the Blue Tigers on the global stage. Following the recent milestone achieved by Ryan Williams, who successfully acquired his Indian passport and is now eligible for the national team, Canadian striker Shaan Hundal has unequivocally declared his interest in relinquishing his foreign citizenship to don the Indian national team jersey.
Currently playing in the Canadian Premier League for York United FC, Hundal, an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) holder, is actively seeking a move to the Indian Super League. His primary goal is to fulfil the requirement of residing in India for one year, a crucial step in obtaining an Indian passport and becoming eligible for national team selection.
In an exclusive conversation, Hundal, whose parents and grandparents were born in Punjab, shared his family’s wishes and his personal desire to represent the country.
“First thoughts, obviously, my mom and dad, my whole family, grandparents, everyone born in Punjab,” Hundal stated, emphasising his roots. “Thay always wanted me to play for India. I want to go and play for India, but to get the passport, it’s hard. It’s a hard thing to do.”
Hundal, who grew up playing in the Toronto FC and Inter Miami youth systems before moving to the Canadian Premier League, is not only willing but determined to make the citizenship switch.
“Even if I’m willing to give up my Canadian citizenship, which I am willing to do, it’s still unclear how to really obtain my Indian passport, like in a quick way to play for the national team,” he explained, highlighting the current bureaucratic hurdles.
However, the 26-year-old forward has already identified the necessary course of action. Since he holds OCI status, a period of residence in India is required before the full citizenship process can be completed.
“So, right now, I’m planning to renounce my Canadian citizenship, because I got my OCI now. So, I’m looking at hopefully getting something in ISL, play one year and then maybe get the passport that way,” Hundal confirmed.
The forward’s contract with York United FC is set to expire this December, making him a free agent and perfectly positioning him for a move to India. This urgency stems from the desire to complete the required residency as quickly as possible.
“The league has been done for one month now,” he noted about the Canadian season. “The league doesn’t start back until mid, mid to end January, the pre-season. So if ISL can start quickly, I can sign a contract and come out, you know, at the end of December, start of January.”
However this ambition is far from new. The forward was first linked with a move to the Indian club last season, with Mohammedan SC reportedly close to securing his signature, but the deal unfortunately fell through due to internal issues.
Hundal revealed that he has already reached out to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to understand and accelerate the process, but the communication has been challenging.
“It’s really unclear from the federation, from people, like no one’s reached out on how to get it or how to get things done, you know, or how to help me get through the process. So, it’s a little tough,” Hundal shared.
He contrasted this with the experience of players in other nations: “I know in other national teams, like Canada and other players that I know that play in those national teams, they make it easy, you know. They try to guide the player on how to change their citizenship and how to get them to play for the national team as fast as possible.”
But Hundal is leaving no stone unturned, even telling potential agents and clubs that the financial aspect is secondary to the national team dream.
“I’m working with people in India that know a lot of general managers and people that run the clubs trying to see if they have any more connections and maybe giving an offer out and stuff like that… I don’t care about the money either. You know, it’s more about getting there for one year, whatever needs to be done, sign me for the one year. Let me get my passport. You know, the main thing is playing for the national team.”
Hundal is not just bringing intent; he is bringing formidable form. He has had an excellent season in the Canadian top tier, which included an incredible four-goal haul in a single game.
“I think I ended up with nine goals, two assists and 12 starts. So I think it was a successful trade in the summer window,” he said, reflecting on his mid-season move to York United, where he excelled under a coach who brought “the best out of my game.”
He believes his quality and potential commitment to the national team would make him a valuable asset for any ISL club.
“I think if clubs see the potential I could bring in with the national team and stuff, like they, they’ll be more reluctant to bring me,” he said.
Hundal closely follows the ISL and the national team, and like millions of Indian football fans, he holds a deep respect for the captain, Sunil Chhetri.
“I know Sunil Chetri, obviously, like he’s a legend, you know, in the sport… And now you fast forward, what, 30 years now, almost 25 years now, and he’s still playing at a really high level and still performing” he said. “And I think a guy like that is what every player around the world, not just in India, strives to be, you know, someone who can play consistently at the high level and always perform and be a leader.”
Concluding the conversation with a message for the fans, Hundal reiterated his long-term vision for Indian football.
“I can’t wait to hopefully one day wear the jersey and hopefully help the team, you know, succeed in, in a way it’s never succeeded before. I think a lot of players that are Indian origin want to do that and see the country grow and do better because there is a big population and a lot of talent. You know, it could easily be one of the better countries and it should be in the World Cup eventually.”
With Hundal now a free agent and his contract expiring in December, the ball is firmly in the court of the ISL clubs and the AIFF. A move to India would not only bolster an ISL side but also put the national team one step closer to securing a quality, in-form player ready to commit fully to the Indian cause.