Sunil Chhetri Urges Calm Amid ISL 2025-26 Uncertainty

Bengaluru FC captain Sunil Chhetri has asked everyone in Indian football to stay strong after the Indian Super League (ISL) 2025-26 season was put on hold.

The league organiser, Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), paused the season because talks with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) over extending their agreement have stalled. The current Master Rights Agreement ends on December 8, 2025. FSDL said it cannot plan or run the ISL without a new deal.

Due to this, clubs have postponed their pre-season plans, and some have pulled out of the Durand Cup.

Chhetri shared his feelings on social media. He said that at first, he felt happy when pre-season was delayed by two weeks as it gave him more time to get fit after his vacation. But now, the delay has become indefinite, which worries him.

“My worry began because I know I am nearing the end of my career. But after talking to players from other clubs, I realised my problem is small compared to what many others are facing,” he wrote.

He said many people – players, staff, physios, masseurs – are scared and uncertain about their future.

Still, Chhetri remains hopeful that the situation will be resolved soon. “I know the people running the sport are working hard to restart the season. I hope there is a solution soon.

“My message to everyone – the players, coaches, medical staff, kit men, production crews, operations teams – is to stay calm. We will ride this storm together. Keep training and improving. Football will resume soon. It has to,” he said.