This year, the upcoming Durand Cup can record only six Indian Super League teams this year, from the 12 last season, but the oldest football tournament in Asia has received a significant increase in the price that the organizers announced on Thursday.
The reduced presence of ISL could largely be caused by the ongoing blocking between Football Sports Development Limited and All India Football Federation (AIFF) over the renewal of the main rights agreements.
The uncertainty forced Isl to “pause” its season 2025–26, create confusion for franchises about building their teams, schedules and obligations, and led to fewer Isl clubs confirming the Durand Cup, starting on 23 July.
Calling the situation “unprecedented”, chief of the staff, headquarters of the Eastern command and chairman of the organizational committee Durand Cup, Gen Mohit Malhotra, said “It’s all ahead.”
“It will not be appropriate for us to comment on it, but we are sure that both sides are determined to develop Indian football and hope that the matter will soon be resolved.
“As far as the Durand Cup is concerned, we have received huge support from FSDL and AIFF over the years and remain grateful to them.”
The LT gen Malhotra also announced that this year’s price was raised from less than RS 1.2 Crore on CRS RS 3 and three SUVs will be awarded to individual winners.
Individual awards – as well as the best goalkeeper, Golden Boot and Golden Ball winners – will receive an SUV.
A team of champions will be invited to Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the President will hand over the President’s cup.
Only six Isl – Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mohammedan Sporting, Jamshedpur FC, Pandjáb FC and Northeast United FC champions confirmed their participation this year.
However, the tournament will have two Tribhuwan Army FC (Nepal) and armed forces (Malaysia) – last year.
Kolkata will host 15 matches, including Group A and B League accessories, quarterfinals, one semifinals and a collision of the Summit 23 August.
The city will also see four teams in action for the first time, including the newly promoted I-League Side Diamond Harbor FC.
East Bengal and South United FC will start a monthly tournament on July 23 at the Salt Lake Stadium stadium.
The main Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee will start the event, said State Sport Minister Arup Biswas.
“She has returned to her earlier glory in the last few years. It’s the sixth that takes place in Calcutta,” Biswas said.
Gen Malhotra dealt with past reports of dissatisfaction between city clubs over free tickets: “These reports are incorrect. Let me tell you that 5,200 accessories will receive each club under the signed agreement.”
The tournament will also be held in manipuro, while the Khuman Lampak main stadium hosts F.
Asked about security concerns in manipure in the middle of the prevailing tension, Gen Malhotra said, “There is a lot of vibration – we saw it during the trophy.”
“Let me assure you that all the necessary measures for safe behavior of the tournament are introduced in the manipur. We also received huge support from local icons such as thoiba Singh, Mirabai Chan and seven members of the Indian football team. We are convinced of a successful trip.”
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Published:
Debodinna Chakracorty
Published on:
July 17, 2025
