ISL pause is concerning, everyone is scared, says Sunil Chhetri

Indian football icon and Bengaluru FC striker Sunil Chhetri opened up about the pause in the Indian Super League (ISL), calling the current situation concerning and saying that everyone in the football ecosystem is worried.

"The current situation that Indian football finds itself in, is very concerning. I’ve received a flurry of texts from players, staff members, physios, masseurs – not just from my club, but from other clubs as well," the former Indian captain said in a post on X. He added that everyone is "worried, hurt, and scared" about the uncertainty they are being forced to cope with.

The uncertainty over the ISL, originally scheduled to begin in September, is down to the conflict between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and its commercial partner, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), over renewing the Master Rights Agreement. There is also a case pending in the Supreme Court, the verdict on which is expected this month. The AIFF said its legal counsel has advised to wait for the SC verdict before proceeding with further discussions.

The 40-year-old striker, who recently returned to international football after coming out of retirement, said that he has spoken to players and staff members across the ISL.

Expressing solidarity with those affected, Chhetri urged players and staff to stay calm and continue their training. "I may not have all the answers, but my message to all those involved with Indian football – and more importantly the ones whose livelihood depends on it, the players, staff, kitmen, masseurs, medical teams, production crews, operations staff – please stay calm. We’ll ride this storm together. Stick together and look out for each other. Keep training and getting better," he said.

Chhetri, in his emotional note, said that he first learned about the issue while on holiday. He added that what initially seemed like a brief pause that made him happy for a while soon overturned, as he began to understand the gravity of the situation through conversations with players and staff. "That ‘fortnight’ has now changed to ‘indefinitely’ and that smile’s been wiped out. It began with worrying about how I am on borrowed time with what I have left in the tank. But speaking with players from across clubs, I’ve realised that my selfish problem isn’t as important," he said.

He expressed hope that the authorities could find a solution to the issue and that indian football could resume soon. "I know that the think tank and all those involved in running the sport are working to get the football season up and running, and I’m hopeful that there is a solid fix sooner rather than later," he added.