The Indian Super League (ISL), recognized as the highest echelon of men’s football in India, is set to launch its much-anticipated 11th season on September 13, 2025. Administered by the All Indian Football Federation (AIFF), the league comprises 13 dynamic teams that promise a season filled with gripping football action.
In the build-up to this grand event, the ISL has released an electrifying promotional video which has already taken social media by storm. The highlight of this video is an engaging conversation between two of India’s football legends, Bhaichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri. Bhutia kicks off the discourse by asking Chhetri, “Socha hai, humare baad Indian football ka agla hero kaun banega?” (Have you ever thought of who will become Indian football’s next superstar after us?). To this, Chhetri, in a reflective tone, responds, “India se poochte hai” (Let’s ask India about it).
The teaser doesn’t stop there. It further delights the fans with appearances from an array of Indian sports personalities and Bollywood stars. Cricketers Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, and Ravi Shastri, Olympian shooter Manu Bhaker, and badminton ace PV Sindhu, all make impactful appearances. In addition, Bollywood aficionados were thrilled to see Ranbir Kapoor and John Abraham engaging in the action. Notably, John Abraham and Monoranjan Bhattacharya are seen in a compelling conversation, adding a cerebral touch to the otherwise high-energy promo.
The video concludes on a high note with Sunil Chhetri posing the intriguing question, “Toh agla hero kaun?” (So, who will be the next star?), to which Bhaichung Bhutia gives a resonant answer, “ISL dekh ke hee pata chalega” (It will only be realized after watching ISL). The trailer effectively sets the stage for what promises to be a captivating season.
The current lineup of teams competing in the league includes Mumbai City FC, NorthEast United FC, Hyderabad FC, Kerala Blasters FC, Odisha FC, FC Goa, Chennaiyin FC, Bengaluru FC, Jamshedpur FC, Mohun Bagan Super Giant, East Bengal FC, Mohammedan SC, and Punjab FC. These teams will be battling it out for a spot in the top six, which grants them entry into the playoffs. The playoff format has been designed to ensure maximum excitement and competitive spirit, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
As the Indian Super League prepares to usher in its 11th edition, Indian football fans are set to witness one of their favorite stars, Sunil Chhetri, don the Bengaluru FC jersey once again.
. It is worth mentioning that Chhetri made an emotional exit from international football earlier this year during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Kuwait. The match, which ended in a draw, saw Chhetri leave the field in tears, marking the end of an era. His return to club football with Bengaluru FC is thus anticipated with bated breath, as fans are eager to see their hero back in action.
Adding more depth to the excitement surrounding the league, the promotional video showcases prominent figures from different sports and entertainment fields, emphasizing the league’s universal appeal and its significance in Indian sports culture. This year’s video highlights the intersection of sports and entertainment, capturing the collective imagination of the nation.
The decision to involve such a diverse and star-studded cast in the promo video signifies the importance of ISL in the larger context of Indian sports. It underlines the league’s role in not just promoting football but in uplifting the spirit of sportsmanship across various disciplines. A clear message is conveyed: ISL is more than just a football league; it’s a national movement that brings together the country’s best talents and its passionate fan base.
The Indian Super League, over its past ten seasons, has been instrumental in elevating the stature of Indian football on the global stage. It has provided a platform for young talents to shine, and this 11th season promises to take this legacy forward. The playoffs, featuring the top six teams, will undoubtedly present some of the most intense and thrilling football moments of the season.
As we inch closer to September 13, all eyes are on the Indian Super League. The promotional campaign has done its job of building anticipation and excitement. Now, it’s time for the teams to take to the field and let their performances answer the pressing question posed by Bhutia and Chhetri – “Aakhir #AglaHeroKaun?” (After all, who will be the next superstar?).
With matches to be broadcasted live on JioCinema, Sports18-3, and Asianet Plus, fans can catch every moment of the action. Stay tuned and get ready for a season of electric football that promises to be a feast for all sports enthusiasts across India. The stage is set, and the countdown to ISL 2025 has officially begun.
