Indian football icon Sunil Chhetri has voiced the deep concerns of players and staff following the indefinite delay of the Indian Super League’s 2025/26 season, urging calm amidst widespread uncertainty.
ISL Season on Hold: The Master Rights Agreement Dilemma
The future of the Indian Super League (ISL) is currently in limbo. The 2025/26 season has been put on hold because the Master Rights Agreement (MRA) between the league organizers, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), and the All India Football Federation (AIFF) is still under discussion.
FSDL recently informed all ISL clubs about this development. They stated that they are unable to effectively plan, organize, or commercialize the upcoming season as negotiations for the MRA renewal, which began months ago, remain unresolved.
Sunil Chhetri’s Emotional Appeal
The uncertainty has sent ripples through the entire Indian football community. Sunil Chhetri, captain of the national team, shared his anguish, revealing a flood of messages from worried players, staff, physios, and even masseurs from various clubs.
“Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, scared about the uncertainty we are faced with,” Chhetri wrote on X. His words capture the widespread anxiety concerning livelihoods and the sport’s immediate future.
From Personal Relief to Collective Concern
Chhetri admitted that when he first heard about a fortnight’s delay in pre-season, he found a moment of personal relief, seeing it as extra time to prepare. However, that initial smile quickly faded as the delay transformed into an indefinite postponement.
Speaking with players from across the league, Chhetri realized the gravity of the situation extended far beyond his own preparation. The concerns now are much larger, impacting countless individuals whose lives depend on the sport.
A Call for Calm and Unity
Despite the challenges, Chhetri remains hopeful. He believes that the “think tank” and those managing Indian football are actively working to get the season back on track, anticipating a swift resolution.
His message to everyone involved, especially those whose livelihoods are at stake – players, staff, medical teams, and production crews – is clear: “Please stay calm. We’ll ride this storm together. Stick together and look out for each other.” He encouraged them to keep training and improving, asserting that “Football has to resume soon. It will.”
- The ISL 2025/26 season is currently on hold due to unresolved Master Rights Agreement discussions between FSDL and AIFF.
- Sunil Chhetri highlighted widespread worry and fear among Indian football stakeholders.
- He urged calm, unity, and continued dedication from players and staff, expressing hope for a quick resolution.
The football community now awaits further updates, holding onto Chhetri’s message of resilience and optimism as they navigate this challenging period.
