Chaos, courts, and kickoff: The ISL season that almost wasn’t

 After months of administrative chaos, legal battles and uncertainty, the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season finally begins five months late. Despite disputes over league structure and governance, clubs, players and stakeholders ensured the competition survived. Yet unresolved issues, including relegation and ongoing legal challenges, mean the drama off the pitch may continue alongside the football. After months of administrative chaos, legal battles and uncertainty, the 2025–26 Indian Super League (ISL) season finally begins five months late. Despite disputes over league structure and governance, clubs, players and stakeholders ensured the competition survived. Yet unresolved issues, including relegation and ongoing legal challenges, mean the drama off the pitch may continue alongside the football.