Indian football stars raise urgent plea to resume suspended league

Long-time players Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Sandesh Jhingan, who made their names in the Indian football circuit, did not hesitate to voice their demand for the resumption of the Indian Super League (ISL) season, which is still on indefinite suspension, to the football authorities. The athletes’ statement revealed their frustration and they expressed it with deep words: it is the playing ban which has been the reason for their less performance; the season suspension can even lead to anti-advancement of football and extinguishing of sports’ fire in India. The postponement is said to be a result of the competing schedules, logistical problems, and previous disruptions caused by the virus. Besides, the players went on stating that they “just want to play” and also asked the governing bodies to come out with a clear timeline. The halt to league action has disastrous effects on Indian football, where the positive impact, both locally and abroad, is being killed: limited player development, less attraction for the fans, and no commercial certainty. The call for action reveals the challenges that the institutional ecosystem of Indian football cannot deal with player focused policies, viable leagues, infrastructure, scheduling, and external force. It is generally agreed that a timely resolution will be one of the factors that will determine the shape of the sport’s future in the country, whether it will be a good one or a bad one.