'Everybody Is Worried, Hurt, Scared...': Sunil Chhetri Writes About Current State Of Indian Football After ISL Put On Hold

India captain and record goalscorer Sunil Chhetri is worrid about the current state of Indian football. However he remains hopeful of improvement in future. The Indian football team has witnessed decline in the ranking with the blue tigers currently at 133 position on FIFA rankings.

Chhetri in his post on social media said, “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,”. He added, “Everybody in the Indian football ecosystem is worried, hurt, scared about the uncertainty we are faced with.”

When my phone went off a few weeks ago informing us of a delay in pre-season by a fortnight, I must admit it made me smile. And that’s because I was on vacation, hadn’t moved as much as I would have liked to, and hadn’t been eating as clean as I usually do. I had more time than I… pic.twitter.com/pEGyr8Sp5O

— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) July 16, 2025

Sunil Chhetri on the future of the Indian Super League

The upcoming season of the Indian Super League (ISL), the country’s top-tier men’s football competition, has been put on hold. This decision was taken after Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) which runs the ISL failed to reach an agreement with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Chhetri added, “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,”

ISL in Trouble, looks like no Football this season. #ISL pic.twitter.com/703osFTR9m

— Ankan Kar (@AnkanKar) July 11, 2025

“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. Football has to resume soon. It will.”

Sunil Chhetri's ISL career

Sunil Chhetri, began his Indian Super League journey with Mumbai City before making the switch to Bengaluru FC in 2013. Over his two stints, the striker has winning seven titles with the club, including two I-League trophies and one ISL title.

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