New Delhi, Nov 11 (NationPress) Veteran Indian striker Sunil Chhetri has made an urgent appeal to the All India Football Federation (AIFF), urging them to take every possible measure to resume the Indian Super League (ISL) season in the nation.

In a collaborative statement, the nation’s leading football players united to advocate for the initiation of India's premier football tournament.

"We, the professional footballers participating in the Indian Super League, are coming together to express our plea and, more crucially, to convey that we stand united in our drive to launch the Indian Super League season. In simple terms, we wish to play, and we wish to play now," Chhetri stated in an Instagram post that was widely shared by fellow footballers, including Sandesh Jhingan, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Lallianzuala Chhangte.

This collective plea highlights the escalating concern within India’s football community as the ISL, usually commencing in September, remains uncertain well into November. With the AIFF's recent tender for the league’s commercial rights failing to attract any bidders, the resulting deadlock has cast significant doubt over the ISL’s immediate prospects, leaving stakeholders engulfed in uncertainty.

"Our feelings of anger, frustration, and distress have now transformed into desperation. A desperation to engage in the sport we cherish, in front of those who mean the world to us—our families and our fans," the joint statement expressed.

"This is an appeal to everyone involved in managing our sport in the nation, to do whatever it takes to commence the football season. India requires its competitive football now more than ever.

"As for us, we remain dedicated, professional, and prepared to step onto that pitch the moment we are given the green light. All we request from those overseeing our beautiful game is to match our desperation with genuine intent. We have been in a very dark tunnel for far too long. A little light would be greatly appreciated," it further stated.

The AIFF's unsuccessful tender to secure a new commercial partner—with no bidders emerging by the November 7 deadline—has thrown the league into turmoil. The repercussions have been profound: players have gone months without competitive matches, numerous clubs, including Mohun Bagan Super Giant and Kerala Blasters, have ceased training, while others, such as Chennaiyin FC and Inter Kashi, have suspended operations and delayed salaries.

Under increasing pressure, the AIFF intends to approach the Supreme Court for adjustments to the ISL’s governing framework. Justice L. Nageswara Rao, appointed by the Court to oversee AIFF operations, has conducted discussions with officials to navigate a solution to the current deadlock.