India, Feb. 17 -- As the T20 World Cup frenzy grips the country, its timing has hardly helped the return of the Indian Super League, which only resumed after months of uncertainty. Up against cricket's unmatched pull in India, football continues to fight for space and relevance in a crowded sporting landscape. The ISL's challenges run deeper than scheduling clashes. After investing heavily over the past decade without sustained commercial returns, FSDL chose not to renew its partnership. When profits fail to materialise year after year, continued backing becomes difficult to justify. Hence, in the aftermath, the All India Football Federation (AIFF) stepped in to shoulder responsibility and keep the league afloat.

Former AIFF secretary ge...