ISL 2025-26: Odisha FC's season opener against Punjab FC postponed

This ISL fixture is likely to be shifted to May.

The Indian Super League (ISL) clash between Odisha FC and Punjab FC, scheduled for February 16, has been postponed due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding Odisha FC’s home ground.

While there has been no official confirmation yet, sources suggest that the fixture will not go ahead as originally planned.

If the postponement is confirmed, the match is likely to be rescheduled for May 11. Although an official announcement is still awaited, May 11 is understood to be the tentative new date being considered for the fixture.

About the Situation

The uncertainty around the fixture is rooted in deeper issues off the pitch. There has been a clear and ongoing rift between the Odisha FC management and the Odisha government, which has directly impacted the club’s operational planning. This situation has created doubts over the availability of the Kalinga Stadium for the upcoming match.

Adding to the concerns, the team was scheduled to begin pre-season training around February 8–9, but that did not materialise due to the lack of clarity surrounding arrangements. The club had also earlier delayed player salary payments, further underlining the challenges it has been facing behind the scenes.

Amid ongoing uncertainty and financial constraints, the club has appointed T.G. Purushothaman as head coach for the ISL 2025–26 season. The decision comes at a challenging time, with the management looking for stability and direction as they aim to steady the ship ahead of the new campaign.

With the league set to kick off in less than a week, securing the Kalinga Stadium at this stage appears extremely difficult, making a postponement of the February 16 clash look increasingly inevitable.

Also Read: CM Mohan Charan Majhi Reaffirms Government Support for Odisha FC and Football at Kalinga Stadium

When could it be played?

The match is likely to be rescheduled for May 11. While an official announcement is still awaited, May 11 is understood to be the tentative date being considered for the fixture.

By then, it is expected that the ongoing issues surrounding the venue and administrative matters could be resolved. With nearly two months in hand, there is optimism that a solution will be found, allowing Odisha FC to sort out the situation and host the match without further uncertainty.

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