Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal has publicly acknowledged the significant compromise made by clubs in the Indian Super League (ISL) to restart the competition immediately following India's exit from the AFC Asian Cup. The league resumed on February 5, 2024, with a match between Jamshedpur FC and Hyderabad FC, just days after the national team's campaign ended in Qatar.
The Challenge of a Cramped Football Calendar
In a detailed statement, Jindal shed light on the complex scheduling dilemma faced by the league. The ISL had to accommodate a nearly two-month pause for the Asian Cup, which concluded with India's group-stage departure on January 23, 2024. This created an immense backlog of fixtures that needed to be completed before the season's end.
The owner explained that the league presented clubs with two difficult options. The first was to extend the season well into May 2024, which would clash with player contracts and create logistical nightmares. The second, and the one ultimately chosen, was to resume the league immediately after the Asian Cup, forcing teams to play a grueling schedule of three matches every nine days.
A Necessary Sacrifice for Indian Football
Jindal emphasized that the decision to resume quickly, while harsh on club preparations, was made with the broader interests of Indian football in mind. "The clubs have made a tremendous sacrifice by agreeing to this schedule," Jindal stated. He clarified that this agreement was reached to avoid a direct clash with the upcoming Santosh Trophy and the crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification matches scheduled for later in the year.
"This sacrifice from the clubs will allow the Indian team to have a longer camp before the World Cup qualifiers, which is of paramount importance," he added, highlighting the national priority. The congested calendar means ISL teams will have minimal time for training and recovery between matches, putting immense physical strain on players.
Looking Ahead: The Path to Consistency
Parth Jindal also addressed the need for a more stable future. He pointed out that the current disruption stems from the Asian Cup being held in January, a shift from its traditional summer slot. Looking forward, he expressed hope for a more consistent calendar. "From next season, the ISL will revert to its usual schedule, starting in September/October and concluding with the finals in March/April," Jindal confirmed.
This return to normalcy is expected to provide much-needed stability for club planning, player fitness, and fan engagement. The immediate focus, however, remains on navigating the demanding second half of the current ISL season, a testament to the collective compromise made by all stakeholders in Indian football.
