John Abraham believes football will be the new cricket in India as the ISL enters a new era ahead of the 2026-27 season.
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NEUFC owner John Abraham on ISL’s new era.
Mumbai, September 6, 2026: The Indian Super League (ISL) is set to enter a new season on October 10, and NorthEast United FC owner John Abraham believes Indian football is ready for a major change.
The Bollywood actor shared his views during the unveiling of NorthEast United FC’s new-season jersey in Mumbai on SaturdayWith the upcoming ISL season expected to bring greater involvement from the clubs, Abraham feels the changes could have a big impact on the sport in India.
John Abraham predicts big change in Indian Football
Abraham believes football can challenge cricket’s popularity in the country, with club owners now playing a bigger role in the league.
“Football will be the new cricket (in India) from this year, because the club owners have taken over the leagueYou will see a huge paradigm shift in football from this season, and as one of the owners, I’m hoping to see that change.”
He also stressed that ISL club owners are working together with the common aim of helping Indian football grow.
“All the owners in the Indian Super League want football to do better in the countryWe’re all very cohesive as we want to make this workSo, we’re hoping for the best”, he said.
NEUFC owner proud of Club’s journey
Abraham also spoke about the challenge of running NorthEast United FC while competing against clubs backed by much bigger companies.
“As a single owner competing with multi-billion-dollar corporations, we’re punching above our weightWe’re really proud of ourselves and our regionWe’ve got Northeast into the main fold with partners like Reebok along with other public and private sector entities supporting usThat speaks about the confidence in the league and in the sport.”
NorthEast United have enjoyed a strong run in recent years, winning back-to-back Durand Cup titles in 2024 and 2025However, the ISL trophy remains missing from their cabinet.
Abraham is now hoping his team can go all the way in the upcoming campaign.
“I really got teary-eyed because I get emotional about my club and I’m in love with my clubNot because of any vanity reasons, but it’s because we worked really hard to stay afloat and to be hereWe’re very proud to be the club we areWe’re looking forward to the ISL starting next month, and we are going to fight for the title.”
‘We’re a movement’: Abraham on Northeast United
For Abraham, NorthEast United’s importance goes beyond results on the football pitchHe believes the club has become a symbol of unity for the region.
“I think today, Northeast United FC is not just a football teamWe’re a movementThe Northeast has seen a lot of civil tension, but the only exception to every rule has been our football club, which has been a binding factor.”
The 2026-27 ISL season will begin on October 10 and is scheduled to run until May 2027The competition will also return to its traditional home-and-away format after last season’s shortened single-leg campaign.
