Indian Super League: The Season of Renewed Traditions and Challenges

By mid-September, India rightfully devotes its attention to the renowned Football season. As the first division of the country, the Indian Super League kicks off on September 13, heralding the return of the world's most popular sport back to the center stage of Indian focus. The headline news that's making waves is the promotion of Mohammedan Sporting Club from the I-League. 

The return of Mohammedan Sporting Club, the first great serial winning side in Indian football history, to the first division means all the powerhouses are back at the helm together. Despite recent shifts in football's power centers from Kolkata, the heart of the game remains embedded in its roots which include the history, traditions, politics, rivalry, and even controlled violence. The absence of Mohammedan Sporting club had left these roots incomplete, but not anymore. Now, the Indian Super League gets to savor the whole experience.

On the field, the League is experiencing an era of stability and volatility. On the one hand, club management demonstrates unprecedented stability. There are only three new coaches out of 13 sides, promising more consistent performances, and a smoother implementation of their philosophies due to longer training with the players.

On the other hand, the League has been facing instability at the ownership level with sustainability becoming a significant concern. The story of Hyderabad FC's descent from the title contenders in '22-'23 to near bankruptcy in '23-'24 reiterates the fact. This issue extends even to storied clubs like Salgaocar and reminds us that sustainability at the ownership level is an essential focus of the League. The current sign of trouble for the primary investor Bunkerhill ahead of the season is a warning that cannot be ignored.