India, Jan. 8 -- A coach working without salary for almost 10 months. Players taking up short contracts in state leagues. India internationals in office league matches. Careers interrupted. This was their story over the past few months. Making 2025-26 a season like no other is clubs shaving wages. Hope and despair are in lockstep in the Indian league season greenlit for a February start.

One day after it was announced that Indian Super League (ISL) will start on February 14, Bengaluru FC spoke about the need for players to share the burden of losses. "Truly hope the players. agree to also sacrifice as we are all in this together," Bengaluru FC owner Parth Jindal posted on X. The club did not confirm if talks have been initiated with play...