Bengaluru captain Sunil Chhetri is excited to welcome fans back to stadiums across the country in the 2022-23 Indian Super League. The 38-year-old believes that the fans in the stands will play a significant role in creating a vibrant environment for players to put their best foot forward.
Football Sports Development Limited, the organisers of the ISL, announced the schedule for the 2022-23 season on Thursday, with the league kicking off on October 7th in Kochi, with Kerala Blasters taking on East Bengal.
The majority of ISL matches will be played on weekends to make it easier for fans and families to attend and support their teams. This season, each matchweek is scheduled between Thursdays and Sundays.
“The fans will have a massive impact this season, especially for us. I think all the teams have struggled not playing with the fans not being able to be at the stadiums. But if there is one team that has struggled the most, by far, it is us. So we are thrilled that the fans are coming back this season and it is the best news for a team like us,”
said Chhetri.
After a two-year hiatus, fans across the country will be welcomed back into the stands. After the league was held behind closed doors for two seasons due to the pandemic, last season’s final in Goa was the first match with fans present.
Chhetri, who has 51 goals in the league, is most excited to face Kerala Blasters away from home because of the intriguing fan support in Kochi.
“I am looking forward to playing against Kerala Blasters away. Just to play at the stadium against all the fans is an experience,”
the Bengaluru FC striker said.
Bengaluru is known for having one of the most fervent fan bases, led by the West Block Blues group. Chhetri has always believed that the club and its fans, who have been regulars in the stadium for both home and away games since 2013, have a special bond.
With supporters playing such an important role in Indian football, the Super League returning to the ten venues across the country will pique the interest of the 11 clubs’ fans.
