Team Herald
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PANJIM: The Indian Super League (ISL) – once hailed as the engine of Indian football’s revival – now finds itself paralysed, its season frozen by commercial wrangles and administrative indecision. The impasse has triggered rare unity among players who are now demanding: ‘Let us play’.
The delay stems from stalled negotiations over new commercial and broadcasting deals, failed tender discussions and broader governance disagreements – all of which have indefinitely halted the start of the new season.
Veteran India striker Sunil Chhetri has publicly urged the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to ‘take urgent measures’ to restart the ISL, warning that the prolonged uncertainty is hurting players, clubs and fans alike.
In an unprecedented show of solidarity, leading footballers including Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, Mandar Rao Dessai and Brison Fernandes – who famously scored against the visiting Saudi side Al Nassr in Goa – issued a joint statement appealing for the league’s immediate resumption.
“We, professional footballers who play in the Indian Super League, are coming together to make a heartfelt plea. We stand united in our efforts to get the ISL season underway. To put it simply, we want to play, and we want to play now,” the players declared.
“This is an urgent call to all those entrusted with managing our sport in the country. Do whatever it takes to bring football back. India needs its competitive football more than ever – not just for players or clubs, but for the millions who draw joy and inspiration from ‘The Beautiful Game’.”
Adding his voice to the growing chorus, Goa-born FC Goa midfielder Harsh Patre wrote: “With the ISL yet to start, every player is waiting for that moment to step on the pitch again. Being part of the squad for both home and away games against Al Nassr was truly special. We don’t get matches like these often and most players in India would love to be part of such occasions. Facing teams and players of that level is something every footballer dreams of.”
“Where we are right now is not a delay anymore, it’s a standstill for the coaches, fans, staff members, and players. We have worked too hard, sacrificed too much to let our season vanish in silence,” said star defender Sandesh Jhingan in a video posted on his social media handles.
“The entire Indian football ecosystem are hanging in uncertainty. Dreams are paused. Future being questioned. Every day we wait, Indian football bleeds. We need action and we need it now,” he asserted.
Several national team footballers like goalkeeper Gurpreet Walia shared a text statement expressing similar sentiments.
“We, professional footballers who play in the Indian Super League, are coming together to make a plea, and more importantly to send the message that we stand united in our efforts to get the Indian Super League season underway. To put it simply, we want to play, and now.”
“Our anger, frustration and distress has now been replaced by desperation. Desperation to play the game we love, in front of people who mean everything to us – our families, our fans,” the statement read.
