Speaking at the official jersey unveiling event of NEUFC’s new kit ahead of the new season, the Bollywood actor reaffirmed his belief that the ISL is entering a new era, one driven by the clubs themselves.
Abraham firmly believes that the upcoming season will be a turning point for Indian football, as it marks a shift where franchise owners have taken a more active role in shaping the league’s direction.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The countdown to the new football season has begun, with the Indian Super League (ISL) confirmed to kick off on October 10. Amid the buzz, Northeast United FC owner John Abraham has been vocal about what he believes is a defining moment for the sport in the country, a season that could change the way India watches football.
Speaking at the official jersey unveiling event of NEUFC’s new kit ahead of the new season in Mumbai on Saturday, the Bollywood actor reaffirmed his belief that the ISL is entering a new era, one driven by the clubs themselves.
Abraham firmly believes that the upcoming season will be a turning point for Indian football, as it marks a shift where franchise owners have taken a more active role in shaping the league’s direction.
ALSO READ | Spanish midfielder Jorge Ortiz returns to FC Goa
“Football will be the new cricket (in India) from this year, because the club owners have taken over the league. You will see a huge paradigm shift in football from this season, and as one of the owners, I’m hoping to see that change.”
“All the owners in the Indian Super League want football to do better in the country. We’re all very cohesive as we want to make this work. So, we’re hoping for the best”, he said.
Further shedding light on the challenges overcome as a club owner in the ISL, Abraham added,
“As a single owner competing with multi-billion-dollar corporations, we’re punching above our weight. We’re really proud of ourselves and our region. We’ve got Northeast into the main fold with partners like Reebok along with other public and private sector entities supporting us. That speaks about the confidence in the league and in the sport.”
Latest on Sportstar
- Live Blog
2026-09-06T17:28:09+05:30
EVE vs MUN, Premier League LIVE Score: Manchester United visits EvertonTeam Sportstar - Football will be the new cricket in India from this year: Northeast United owner John AbrahamTeam Sportstar
- Live Blog
2026-09-06T17:11:30+05:30
Tri-Nation Series Final, Live Score: Jordan Hermann departs after scoring half-centuryTeam Sportstar
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand: From unseeded outsiders to World Championships medallists
Women’s Asia Cup 2026 preview: Can anyone stop India from reclaiming the title?
Lavanya Lakshmi Narayanan
+ SEE all Stories
More on Indian Football
- India beats Bangladesh, gets one foot into AFC U-20 Asian Cup 2027Team Sportstar
- Football will be the new cricket in India from this year: Northeast United owner John AbrahamTeam Sportstar
- India vs Bangladesh head-to-head: Full H2H record for IND U-20 v BAN U-20 before the AFC Asian Cup qualifierTeam Sportstar
Latest on Sportstar
- Live Blog
2026-09-06T17:28:09+05:30
EVE vs MUN, Premier League LIVE Score: Manchester United visits EvertonTeam Sportstar - Football will be the new cricket in India from this year: Northeast United owner John AbrahamTeam Sportstar
- Live Blog
2026-09-06T17:11:30+05:30
Tri-Nation Series Final, Live Score: Jordan Hermann departs after scoring half-centuryTeam Sportstar
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com
