Indian Super League Season 12 Launches After Dramatic Delays and Last-Minute Drama

Just when it seemed Indian football might skip a year entirely, the Indian Super League has returned—though the journey to kickoff has been anything but smooth.

Jamshedpur FC manager Owen Coyle captured the situation perfectly, revealing his squad is compressing six weeks of pre-season preparation into a mere three weeks. This rushed timeline reflects the reality facing most ISL clubs this season. Despite the challenges, football enthusiasts can finally celebrate the league's return.

The turbulence continued right up to match day. Just 48 hours before the season opener, the All India Football Federation convened an emergency session to deny Churchill Brothers' eleventh-hour application to join the competition. The timing couldn't have been tighter.

Clubs Enter Season With Vastly Different Readiness Levels

The disparity in team preparation presents intriguing storylines for followers of the competition. Several clubs face significant obstacles entering the campaign. Inter Kashi remain without a permanent home venue. Mohammedan Sporting will compete without any international players on their roster. Odisha FC haven't properly trained or played throughout the entire season.

In stark contrast, Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have enjoyed over eight weeks of structured training. This substantial advantage in match fitness could prove decisive in the early weeks. For those analyzing opening form, this preparation differential represents a critical factor.

Four clubs will begin the season under Indian head coaches—a scenario that seemed unlikely just months earlier. Renedy Singh takes charge of Bengaluru FC, where he'll coach his former teammate Sunil Chhetri. It's a compelling narrative in Indian football circles.

Relegation Returns to Increase Competition Intensity

The stakes have risen significantly—relegation is officially back. Antonio Lopez Habas, the league's most decorated manager, described this as "a 13-match tournament" where the threat of dropping down is genuine and immediate.

Coyle, who previously coached in England's top flight, emphasized that relegation introduces serious consequences. Clubs cannot afford sluggish beginnings when every fixture carries amplified importance. Mohammedan Sporting, having finished bottom last campaign, already feel the mounting pressure.

The season launches this Saturday with two matches. Kerala Blasters travel to Kolkata to face reigning champions Mohun Bagan, while FC Goa welcome Inter Kashi. Mohun Bagan appear stronger on the team sheet—they've acquired Mehtab Singh and Amey Ranawade for defensive reinforcement and brought in Robinho to replace Greg Stewart.

Six clubs have secured their full allocation of six international players. Kerala Blasters feature five foreign signings, all newcomers to the team. This absence of established chemistry could manifest in early performances.

The champions receive ₹1.25 crore and qualification for Asian continental competition (excluding Mohun Bagan, who face a ban, and FC Goa, who already secured entry through the Super Cup). After months of clubs suspending operations and reducing player salaries, simply reaching the starting line represents an achievement in itself.