AFC seeks clarity on the resumption of ISL from AIFF; Answer likely to be given on Friday
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) expressed worry and seeks clarity on the ongoing impasse of Indian Super League. AIFF is expected to reply to the AFC after today’s Supreme Court verdicts. Datuk Seri Windsor John, the AFC general secretary, wrote to AIFF deputy secretary general M Satyanarayan demanding clarity on the matter following ‘absence of official communication’ from the AIFF and having to follow the case through media reports. In the letter to the AIFF, the continental body described the halt as “deeply concerning” and warned of the wider risks it poses to Indian football. ‘The indefinite suspension of India’s top-tier league is deeply concerning, given its disruption to clubs’ operations, delayed salaries, and the wider threat it poses to the stability of domestic and continental football. This also leads to the question of whether the AIFF will lose the authority to issue club licences under the current circumstances.” the letter stated. The AFC has asked the AIFF to submit a factual report on several key areas. This includes the progress of commercial negotiations with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the timeline of the pending Supreme Court ruling, and the direct impact on clubs, players, and officials. The governing body also requested concrete details on measures being taken to resume the league and safeguard stability. AIFF, however, has sought more time and promised to respond after the next Supreme Court hearing on Thursday. At the centre of the crisis lies the unresolved renewal of the 15-year Master Rights Agreement (MRA) with FSDL, which expires on December 8. Due to the deadlock, FSDL has kept the ISL season on hold “until further clarity emerges on the contractual structure.”
Eswaran misses Duleep Trophy due to fever; Shami performs, but without a wicket
Central Zone captain Dhruv Jurel and East Zone skipper Abhimanyu Easwaran were absent as the Duleep Trophy quarter-finals got underway in Bengaluru on Thursday, dealing a blow to their respective sides. The North Zone also entered the match with a leadership change. Original skipper Shubman Gill was sidelined after failing to recover from a fever in time. Vice-captain Ankit Kumar stepped up to lead the team, while Shubham Goel was added as Gill’s replacement. The Central Zone faced a similar challenge when Jurel missed the clash against the NorthEast Zone due to a groin niggle that flared up on the eve of the match. Although the Test specialist was present for pre-match proceedings, team management advised him to sit out to avoid further aggravating the injury. In his absence, Rajat Patidar, who captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their IPL title earlier this year and was Central Zone’s vice-captain, took over the leadership role in the high-stakes knockout game. East Zone faced an even bigger crisis. Abhimanyu Easwaran fell ill with a fever on the morning of their quarter-final against North Zone at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. His absence left a void in the top order, compounded by the unavailability of pacer Akash Deep and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. Assam all-rounder Riyan Parag was handed the captaincy, stepping into the leadership void to guide a weakened side in a tough encounter. North Zone, however, asked to bat by East Zone, have scored 207 for the loss of four wickets. Manishi has been the most impressive performer with the ball, scalping three wickets at the cost of 60 runs in his nine overs. Former India pacer Mohammed Shami, although he has shown his skill, giving away only 29 runs in 12 overs, has been wicketless so far. Current India bowler Mukesh Kumar also has not been able to pick up a wicket so far.
