Former ISL star David James has expressed concern over the future of Indian football

David James, the former England international and inaugural major player-manager of the Indian Super League (ISL), took to social media to express his concern over the state of affairs in India.

On Instagram, James drew a sharp contrast between the start of the competition and the current trajectory. He labeled the first season of 2014 as “The Big Bang,” while ominously describing the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming 2025 season as “The Big Crunch.”

James, who was a crucial figure in the ISL’s early commercial success with Kerala Blasters, expressed a deep emotional bond with the country’s football landscape. While recognizing the importance of televised indigenous football and the goal of World Cup qualification, he shifted the focus to the grassroots level. “It is more important to have the infrastructure that allows children to grow up participating in a sport that improves their mental, physical and social development,” James said.

His comments indicate growing concern that the financial and structural ‘Big Bang’ of a decade ago will collapse inward if systemic changes are not made.

The veteran goalkeeper emphasized the need for fiduciary responsibility and proper financial structures to ensure long-term sustainability. He concluded his message with a poignant literary reference to The life of PiThis suggests that while the story of Indian football will ultimately be ‘magnificent’, the current era may be defined by a ‘trauma-induced fabrication’ or a difficult period of ‘regeneration’.

The post comes at a time when increasing attention is being paid to the financial health of various clubs and the overall development of the Indian national team. So far, the AIFF and ISL organizers have not officially responded to James’ comments.

Published on December 30, 2025